THE SWEET smell of lavender is set to boost two charity causes.

Lynda Pain, who was among a group of local women to set up a pancreatic cancer support group two years ago, has started a lavender business in Dorchester that will see profits going to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

She is now appealing for help to get the field off Maiden Castle Road ready for the coming season and planting the lavender.

Lynda, from Lower Bockhampton, started the Pan Pals group after losing her husband David to cancer and is keen to raise as much as she can for her two causes.

She said: “David spent the last seven weeks of his life in the Joseph Weld Hospice.

“I was very impressed with the care that he received during that time.”

Lynda says it is a ‘crucial’ time to prepare the field for this year’s crop and needs as much support as possible.

She has been in contact with the Volunteer Centre Dorset and is also urging anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch. Lynda said: “I urgently need more volunteers at this time of year as without help my idea will not succeed in providing a year on year income for the two charities.

“Volunteers need to be relatively fit, enjoy working outside and be able to give up a few hours (or days!) to help get the field in order. There is weeding to be done but also planting rows of lavender and later, picking and taking cuttings.”

There will be toilet facilities available for those working on the field.

Lynda asked anyone interested to get in touch with her on 07794 145266 or the Volunteer Centre Dorset on 01305 269214. She is also happy to speak with anyone interested to explain more about the project.