A SERVICE providing cancer sufferers with invaluable information and support has been launched as a legacy of the woman who inspired it.

Librarian June Taylor, 54, found there was a lack on information for people suffering from cancer after being diagnosed with the disease herself.

So she started a programme where she lived in Derwentside, County Durham, which has now been rolled out to libraries throughout the county.

Sadly, she died before seeing the results of her work.

Colleague Jeanette Stephenson, a manager at Durham County Council's libraries, learning and culture department, said: "She was full of fun and enthusiasm and was warm and caring.

"I am so proud that we have done this for June."

Macmillan Cancer Support teamed up with Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Durham County Council to launch The Health Information Points project to bring cancer information and support to six libraries, as well as providing outreach sessions to support people in their own communities.

The service was officially launched yesterday by county councillor Michele Hodgson, portfolio holder for corporate services, at Durham's Clayport Library.

Ms Stephenson said: "June and I worked together for ten years on various projects, and also volunteered together on community networks.

"She realised she was ill and it was diagnosed as cancer. When she looked for information where she expected to find it, she couldn't find any. She realised it was a problem others would encounter, and with her background of helping others set about seeking external funding."

Mrs Taylor, who lived in South Stanley, initially found funding from Stanley Green Corridor for leaflet dispensers with information about cancer for three libraries in Derwentside.

Macmillan has now given £50,000 to the project to fund equipment including furniture, information leaflets and books.

Three Macmillan information and support managers will deliver the outreach service.

Councillor Hodgson said: "Durham County Council is proud to work in partnership with Macmillan and the PCT to help support people affected by cancer.

"Access in their local library to relevant supportive information is crucial when people are trying to come to terms with living with cancer."

The pilot libraries involved are Annfield Plain, Barnard Castle, Blackhall, Clayport, Coundon and Thornley, all County Durham.