A CHARITY'S plans to expand into new premises have been abandoned, but a move could still be on the cards.

The Encephalitis Support Group, in Malton, launched a £100,000 fundraising drive last year to help expand from its Market Square offices into a neighbouring property.

But now, the group, which was set up in the mid-1990s to aid sufferers of the rare brain disease, is hoping to move into a building previously occupied by the Camphill Village Trust.

Elaine Dowell, who founded the group, said the premises, just off Saville Street, would be ideal.

"We are currently in a very small office and we are desperate to find somewhere bigger.

"As we are the only group of its kind, we are increasingly finding the work is becoming overwhelming," she said.

"The hope is that we will be able to provide more support, there will be more space for volunteers and there will be space for a research library.

"We were going to move into the next-door premises but that has fallen through. The building behind Saville Street is perfect because not only is it very spacious, but we would be able to provide good disabled access."