CANCER sufferers and their families can now benefit from the use of a new beach hut in Dawlish.

The Dawlish Sunflower Bunch, the town’s cancer support group, has officially opened its relocated beach hut at Coryton Cove.

The charity had previously run a hut at Dawlish Warren for the last eight years but the chance came up to move to a vacant unit at Coryton Cove which is more convenient.

Once the move was approved, it had been feared access could become an issue as Network Rail began work along the last stretch of the sea wall with possible closures of the underpass.

Work had been delayed for some weeks and the hut has proved popular in the meantime.

Founder of the Sunflower Bunch Sue Thompson explained: ‘The hut is for the use of anyone going through cancer and their family, free of charge.

‘We had one at Dawlish Warren for eight years which was quite popular but we wanted one at Coryton Cove where it is more central.

‘When one came up at the cove, I asked to swap which was approved and although it’s more rent but we have fund raising in place.’

The new hut is already emblazoned in the charity’s signature yellow colouring.

Sue said, since it was first opened a few weeks ago, the hut has been a big hit. She said: ‘We are so pleased, it’s really popular and it was lovely to have the Mayor officially open it.

‘Although when we were first given it, we found out about the sea wall being closed for a time, it is still worth having in the long run.

‘People have been able to use it for now and even with the bridge having to close, people who are able, can still access it over the steps until the work is finished.

‘We are over the moon.’

Work is now starting for at least the next two weeks along the sea wall which will close access to the Colonnade. Once finished, the hut will be available to anyone needing wheelchair access.

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lisa Mayne, whose husband died of cancer, is a big supporter of the initiative and welcomed the new location.

She said: ‘The group does such a great job supporting people and the hut is available for people to use for respite.

‘When my husband was ill, we were fortunate to be offered the chance to use the hut at Dawlish Warren and have that opportunity.’

Anyone wanting to book the beach hut can contact Maggie Harris by texting 07787 504545 or by messaging the Sunflower Bunch on its Facebook page.