A CARE centre will unveil a resource centre dedicated to improving choice for people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

The £180,000 extension to Woodlands Respite Care Centre, in York, will provide access to a range of resources and reference material.

Its opening marks 50 years of the MS Society and aims to help and inform MS suffers, their families, carers and health and social care professionals.

Visitors will be able to use the resource centre to find information about the management of symptoms, the latest research news and seek advice about services.

Andrew Russell, an MS nurse at York District Hospital, will also host a drop-in session at the centre on the first Thursday of each month.

The resource centre's opening ceremony will be attended by a number of guests including the society's chief executive, Mike O'Donovan.

Woodlands' general manager Vanessa Lindsay Smith said: "Not only do we offer respite care for people with MS and their families, but for a long time, Woodlands has been promoting better understanding to local authorities in their services for people with MS. The resource centre is a natural extension to that for people who are affected by MS or anyone who wishes to find out more about the condition."

The centre will be open every Thursday between 10.00am and 2.00pm and the first Saturday of each month between 10.00am and 2.00pm. For details about becoming a volunteer call (01904) 430600.