Specifically designed for patients who have undergone breast cancer treatment, the course is the first of its kind in the Midlands and has already helped more than 50 patients during a six-month trial period.

Following its success the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven Charity has now agreed to fund the course indefinitely.

The hydrotherapy group, named The Worcester Waders, is available to anyone who has had treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy for breast cancer.

The sessions involve carrying out physiotherapy exercises in a heated hydrotherapy pool and provides the opportunity for breast cancer survivors to meet others who have been through a similar experience.

As well as reducing pain and increasing the range of shoulder movement after treatment, hydrotherapy and physical activity can also help reduce the risk of lymphoedema - a chronic tissue swelling - which can be caused by surgery and chemotherapy.

Radiographer Molly Jones who helped set up the group said: "The patients who took part in our trial said that they loved completing the course, found it really enjoyable and experienced marked improvement in their physical and mental health.

"For a lot of ladies this is their first time in a swimming costume since their treatment which can significantly impact their fitness level and body image.

"We're really grateful to the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven Charity for agreeing to keep funding the course and all the radiographers who have given up their time to run the course."

Sessions run at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on a Tuesday evening by a group of radiographers from the Worcestershire Oncology Centre who are specifically trained to undertake the hydrotherapy sessions.

After the three, one-hour-long sessions of the course are complete, there is the opportunity for attendees to join the Nuffield Health Centre in Worcester for free for a further six-week programme as an introduction back to exercise.