BASINGSTOKE support group, which offers pampering treatments to women going through breast cancer, has been officially recognised as a charity.

The Pink Place, which was founded in 2010, has been registered by the Charity Commission.

Kathy Williams, community events organiser for the charity, said: “It’s been a long slog to get there. It’s taken two-and-a-half years but it will make such a difference.

“We have had people wanting to help but they can’t because they need a charity number for their accounts.”

She added: “We are absolutely thrilled to bits.”

The Pink Place is looking to expand its services and is in the process of securing a larger premises to run from.

It currently operates from Taylor’s Hair and Beauty Salon, in Wote Street, which is owned by founder of the charity, Janis Taylor.

The charity’s aim is to eventually offer its pampering treatments and support to all cancer sufferers.

To raise funds, The Pink Place team held a Ready Steady Cook-themed event at The Ark Conference Centre, which was attended by 60 people.

The night involved two Basingstoke hospital workers, Gerry Houman and Ray Spokes, competing against each other in a cooking competition watched by an audience.

The pair were assisted by Lindsey Page, from The Pampered Chef, who helped them to create a camembert dish with pecan nuts and jam.

At the end of the evening, the audience voted for the most entertaining chef using cards with either a green pepper or red tomato on them, as are used in the television programme – and the result was a draw.

Mrs Williams said: “It was a bit of a laugh. It exceeded our expectations and was a great success, raising £700 for The Pink Place.”

She thanked the staff at the Ark Conference Centre and the Ark Medical Trust, which lent the theatre room to the charity for the event.