AN arthritis group is appealing for more people to get involved and receive help and support for their condition.

The Wear Valley Arthritis Support Group, which has been running since 2002, currently has 18 members.

The group meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of every month at the Four Clocks Centre, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.

Councillor Sam Zair, of Bishop Auckland, has agreed to become a patron of the group.

Jane Clayton, of the group, said: “There are ten million people in the country with arthritis, affecting everyone from babies to older people.

“We are here to support people with arthritis and also help those who care for someone with it.

“People think it is an older person’s condition but it isn’t.”

Through Arthritis Care, Mrs Clayton has become a volunteer champion and the scheme, which received funding in July, is being developed in the Wear Valley area.

To get involved with the Wear Valley Arthritis Support Group, call Allison Bellinger on 07941-339123.