An exhibition showcasing the artwork of cancer patients opened in central Croydon yesterday.

The exhibition at Croydon’s Clocktower displays what members of the South East Cancer Help Centre (SECHC), an organisation that supports cancer patients, have created whilst at its base in Purley.

Mayor Bernadette Khan opened the show, which runs throughout November.

Organiser Joy Perkins said: “My motivation for organizing this exhibition is the therapeutic effects of art on the patients’ well-being.

"This is the first time some of them have ever shown off their work and they are all very excited.”

The pictures on show use a variety of media and techniques, including painting, weaving and silk threading.

Representatives from the Centre will be on hand throughout the month to discuss the artwork as well as explain the services and therapies available at SECHC’s Purley Centre and at Croydon University Hospital.

Croydon Clocktower is located at 9 Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET and the exhibition is next to the Clocktower café and is open between 9 am and 5 pm.

SECHC, which has local NHS recognition, can be found in the Tesco Development, 2 Purley Road, Purley, CR8 2HA.

For more information visit: http://www.sechc.org.uk/