TALENTED interior designer Lisa Barnes has used her expertise to create a soothing environment to support patients experiencing hair loss after cancer treatment.

The bespoke room at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre features calming interiors and custom-made furniture for patients attending appointments with Breast Cancer Care's "HeadStrong" service.

Merseyside comedienne Pauline Daniels, who recently received treatment for breast cancer at the centre, was guest of honour to officially open the room today.

Lisa Barnes, of Warrington-based design company Emmie B Interiors Ltd, enlisted local suppliers and businesses to donate services to create a tranquil space away from the clinical setting.

She said "I was honoured to be approached to help create this space.

"Having lost people to cancer, and watched family members go through the awful experience of hair loss, I jumped at the chance to create something that will help patients feel pampered and special at such a vulnerable time in their lives.

"I took my inspiration from a wall covering I saw at a Paris design show, the covering featured vintage Vogue magazines with glamourous cover girls wearing headscarves.

"As soon as I heard the room was called 'Headstrong' I knew this would be the perfect starting point and it also had the perfect colour palette to create a warm and inviting feeling for this unique service."

HeadStrong is a free and unique service from breast cancer care where patients attend a private appointment and talk to specially-trained volunteers about how to tie headscarves and use hats and hair pieces.

The volunteers, many of whom have been through cancer themselves, also share tips about hair and scalp care before, during and after treatment as well as talking through any worries patients may have.

Jade Barrett, fundraising manager at Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: "It has been a pleasure working with Lisa to create what we know will be an invaluable sanctuary for our patients experiencing hair loss.

"Her generosity and creative talent have combined to produce an absolutely beautiful room which thousands of patients across the North West will benefit from it.

"The psychological effect of hair loss can be severe for some patients and we now have this special place to offer them support and privacy in a purpose-built facility."

Many people will lose either some or all of their hair as a result of chemotherapy treatment.

For some, this is the most distressing side effect of a cancer diagnosis.

Kate Smith, head of information and quality at Clatterbridge, said: "Not only is this room beautiful, it's functional.

"There is space for relatives or friends to sit on stunning custom-built furniture and the bespoke cabinets keep all the necessary extras hidden away from sight to leave a relaxing, clutter-free space.

"We wanted the room to feel like the patient is stepping into a spa consultation room and Lisa has surpassed that ideal.

Working alongside Lisa, we have now delivered a fantastic new room with a contemporary and welcoming feel for our patients and carers.

"It's just perfect, we can't thank her enough for her generosity and time."

HeadStrong appointments are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. To book call 0151 334 1155 ext 4109 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk