BASINGSTOKE Gingerbread Group for lone parent families meets every fortnight at Hill Rise Hall, Bach Close, on Saturday mornings.

The next meetings will be on September 25, October 9 and 23, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Chairman Jane Tibble understands what lone parents need and worked to set up a Gingerbread Group in Basingstoke.

There are now 18 members who support each other and are good friends.

The first visit by new members is free and attending future meetings costs £2 per meeting per family.

There is also a membership fee of £5, which entitles members to discounts.

Mothers, fathers and children are welcome to join and refreshments are provided.

A visitor from the Child Support Agency is to join the group in October to speak to families and it is hoped that MP Andrew Hunter will also support the group.

Families will be attending a summer workshop by the National Gingerbread Association on Saturday, from 11am to 1pm, at Hill Rise Hall.

The title is "The Joys and Challenges of Lone Parenting".

Also planned is a fashion show to raise funds on October 15, at Viables Craft Centre, from 6pm to 10pm.

Gingerbread began in 1970 and supports a network of local groups.

Basingstoke Gingerbread Group has a committee and is affiliated to Basingstoke Voluntary Services.

If interested, telephone Jane on 01256 475155 or Tracey on 01256 351630.