A TOTAL of 4,248 people in the South West phoned Macmillan Cancer Support during 2014 seeking help.

New figures from the charity show how many people contacted the Macmillan Support Line during the past 12 months.

In Somerset, there were 382 callers - of these, 72% of requests were for clinical information and emotional support while the remaining 28% was for welfare or financial guidance queries.

The Macmillan Support Line is for anyone with questions about cancer. It is free to call and staffed by experts who can help with a range of queries - from advice and support with money worries, clinical and treatment information, to being there to listen if a caller just wants to talk.

The Macmillan Support Line is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm on 0808-808-0000.