'OVERWHELMING' — that was how Catherine Faulkner, North Devon Hospice's director of human resources, described the public's enthusiasm and response to the launch of the Long House Outreach Centre in Holsworthy's Memorial Hall last week, writes Christine Williams.

The large number of people who attended were able to see detailed plans of the building, find out about some of the services available, such as bereavement counselling, and even sample some of the complementary therapies which will enhance well-being and bring comfort.

They could also meet the medical team and nurses who specialise in end of life care.

Among them was Annie Hogg, a community nurse specialist who, for the last 20 years, has been visiting patients in the Holsworthy area. She said that hitherto, because of the distance, her patients had been unable to access the full range of care available at the main hospice in Barnstaple.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.