A SUPPORT group set up by two Hampshire sisters to help families deal with asbestos-related cancers has become a registered charity.

Diane McLellan and Lynne Squibb set up the Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group - HASAG - after they were confronted with the forms and other legal complications that followed their father's death from mesothelioma.

What started as a friendly coffee morning to help people who had been affected by the disease, has now turned into a full-time occupation for the sisters who hold regular events and make home visits to offer their support.

"It is amazing how far we have come in 14 months," said Diane, who is shown left of picture with Lynne. "When our dad died we had no idea how much paperwork was involved and all the procedures with mesothelioma and the compensation forms.

"We were drowning in information and it was really good to have someone to talk to who knew what we were going through," she said.

The next coffee morning of HASAG in Southampton will be tomorrow from 10.30am in the T&G Transport House, at 15/16 The Avenue in Southampton.

For additional information about the new charity visit www.hasag.co.uk.