A HEALTH watchdog has expressed its disappointment that a national charity has not supported its campaign to recognise stroke symptoms.

The plan to issue cards telling peoplewhat to look for has been shelved after the organisers were warned by the Stroke Association that they could be sued for breaching copyright.

Darlington Borough Councils Social Affairs and Health Scrutiny committee planned to give the cards away after a study revealed Darlington had the highest number of adults under retirement age suffering from strokes.

The scrutiny committee was asked by the Darlington branch of the Soroptimists International to distribute the cards.

Stroke conditions can be difficult to diagnose but research has shown if victims are treated within three hours they stand a much better chance of recovery.

However, when the committee approached the Stroke Association for its support, it was refused as the charity felt the councils STAR acroynm would be confused with its FAST acroynm.

The scrutiny committee chairwoman, Coun Marian Swift, said: "We all have the same objective in place.

"There's nothing in Darlington - people haven't seen the FAST card whatsoever.

"The Stroke Association have put a spanner in the works, because there's the potential of us being sued because of copyright."

Coun Heather Scott, who is also a member of the Soroptimists, said the Stroke Association's acronym was difficult for some members of the general public to understand, and was better suited to health professionals.

She added: "Our questions are more suitable to the general public.

"It's extremely disappointing that the Stroke Association has taken that stand."

Andrea Lane, a spokeswoman for the Stroke Association, said there had been a misunderstanding between the committee and the charity and there was never any intention to sue.

She added: "FAST was developed with a team of clinicians.

"We feel its the best possible one in terms of getting the message.

"We don't want there to be any confusion with us and any other organisation, so we can't endorse any other acronym other than FAST.

"I'd hate to think this is closed with Darlington and we'll undertake to come and meet with them.

"We have very limited material which may be why our card has not reached Darlington, but we now have some more in stock."