A WYRE Forest branch of a national cancer charity was inundated with calls from people eager to attend the first workshop ever held in the district by Britain's leading healer.

Eighty-five people went to The Granary Hotel and Restaurant at Shenstone on Saturday to hear Matthew Manning speak and join him in meditation.

The sell-out workshop, organised by the district's Cancer Research UK committee, raised £1,400 for the charity.

People suffering from a range of conditions and diseases, including deafness, various cancers and the effects of accidents took part in the day-long event.

They came from as far away as Cornwall and demand was so high that organisers had to start a reserve list after selling all the tickets.

Wyre Forest Cancer Research UK committee member, Mike Griffiths, said: "The response was unbelievable. People were phoning me until late into the evening wanting tickets.

"The workshop was a big success. It was quite moving at times and I think those who attended found a lot of inspiration from listening to Matthew."

In the workshop, he attempted to show people the links between thoughts and the body, how to harness positive emotions to improve health and well-being and the power of prayer and distant healing.

He discussed the latest research into mind/body interactions, taught self-healing exercises and gave a demonstration of healing.

In the past, well known people, including John Cleese, the Duke of Edinburgh and Maureen Lipman have consulted Mr Manning, who weaves together science, psychology and spirituality.

He has written several books and between 1995 and 1997 he co-presented, with Sir David Frost, ITV's Beyond Belief. He is a frequent guest on shows such as Ruby's Round Table, Richard and Judy and This Morning.