THE first local branch meeting of a newly merged national charity takes place in Tavistock next month, at which anyone interested in helping to fight cancer and its causes is welcome to attend.

The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund merged this month, combining their complementary strengths to help further new and effective treatments for cancer faster than ever before.

The Tavistock branch of the newly-named Cancer Research UK charity will meet on March 18 at Abbey Surgery in Chapel Street, when the regional community fundraiser, Kay Taplin, will talk about the merger and explain its advantages.

The meeting will be a social occasion when the branch will thank its supporters for their hard work throughout the year.

A guest speaker has also been invited to give an illustrated talk.

The branch is also appealing to local gardeners to help its cause. It is holding a coffee morning and plant sale in the Parish Centre on May 31 and would welcome donations of plants to sell. For more information, call 01822 614635.