A SUPPORT group is to be formed in Wear Valley for people with a debilitating illness.

A series of public meetings will be held next week to highlight the need for a local group for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which is also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.

They will be the first stage in the formation of a network offering information, practical advice and emotional support for sufferers. It is hoped that the group will then start regular support meetings for the estimated 245 people in the district who suffer from ME, their families and carers.

ME is a potentially chronic and disabling neurological disorder which can affect all ages, including very young children and the elderly.

Almost 50 sufferers in the Wear Valley area are under 25 years old.

Symptoms of the illness can include profound mental and physical exhaustion, muscle pain, and memory and concentration loss.

Sufferers can also experience sensitivity to light, noise and smells, disturbed sleep patterns and persistent headaches.

The region's leading charity in the field, ME North-East, which is based in Chester-le-Street, is supporting the initiative. It says that the devastating and wide-reaching effects of the condition are still overlooked.

Joy Lynn, regional groups co-ordinator for the charity, said hundreds of people across the North-East were diagnosed as having the illness, but experts admit the figure might just be the tip of the iceberg because many people are unaware they have contracted it.

She said: "Too often people can feel isolated by their illness and a support group where people can meet and hold open discussions can be of enormous benefit."

The support group, and next week's meetings, aims to raise awareness of the condition so that possible sufferers can seek help and advice.

Hilary Armstrong, MP for North-West Durham, said: "I have long been aware of the particular problem in Weardale and I am pleased to hear that a local support group is being established."

Anyone interested is invited to meetings in The Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope, on Tuesday at 3pm; 2D, in Crook Business Centre, on Thursday at 11am, and in The Four Clocks Centre, Bishop Auckland, on Thursday, at 3pm.