THE saying goes that 'laughter is the best medicine'.

Well now cancer treatment teams at St Helens Hospital are seeking to show that message rings true.

Hospital bosses at Whiston and St Helens aim to lead the way with alternative therapy for the disease and say they are the first in the region to introduce ‘laughter therapy’.

Experts in the technique and laughter yoga visited the hospital to show guests how a good old giggle can promote wellbeing and reduce stress in patients, family and friends

It was part of the Burney Breast Unit's ‘Laughter Cures’ event to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Miss Leena Chagla, consultant surgeon and lead clinician, said: “The event really helped to promote that there is life after cancer.

"I would sincerely like to thank our patients and our local community for coming together to help us raise awareness and celebrate the power of 'laughter'.

"Even if you do not believe that ‘laughter cures’, you cannot deny it does no harm and does make you feel better.”

The event, which raised more than £4,000, brought together staff, patients and volunteers for a night of learning and fun to highlight the importance of wellbeing after diagnosis of breast cancer.

It also discussed the positive outcomes that modern breast cancer care can achieve.

Among the guests was the triple amputee former soldier Andy Reid, 38, who spoke with great passion and inspiration of his time in Afghanistan and how laughter helped him to make it through some of his toughest moments.

Also making a special appearance was comedienne and actress Pauline Daniels, 58, who was diagnosed with cancer last year.

She talked about her own experience with treatment and motivated the audience with her fantastic humour and quick wit.

The event was held in the same month that cancer services at Whiston and St Helens hospitals were ranked fourth best in the country, in the latest analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support.