A GAY woman, persecuted in her community, is preparing to help others in the same situation.

Last month, The Northern Echo reported that Kirsty Lord and her partner, Samatha Dewhurst, had suffered verbal attacks and their home, in Darlington, had been vandalised since they moved in, last May.

The couple decided to go public about their plight after graffiti was daubed on their home.

Now Ms Lord, 30, has joined the support group Women on Women, which offers support to gay women in the area.

She will be taking over the group's newsletter and website and hopes to be able to offer advice to those who find themselves victimised because of their sexuality.