MEMBERS of a support group helping hundreds of people cope with Parkinson's disease yesterday celebrated becoming an official branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

The Darlington support group, which offers help to sufferers in south Durham, marked its branch status with a ceremony at Carmel Convent, in Nunnery Lane, Darlington.

Alistair Campbell, who has suffered from the disease for 15 years, was elected branch chairman. Other officers are: Valerie McKenzie, treasurer; Ewan Thompson, secretary; and Kathleen Twist, Pam Pinkney and Elizabeth Smith, committee members.

Treasurer of the society's Cleveland branch, Leonard Palmer, presented Mr Campbell with a £100 cheque. Elliot Snowball, 13, presented the branch with a cheque for £310, which he raised by running in the Junior Great North Run. And £410 was given by Nikky Corker, who also ran the half marathon.