A GROUP helping sufferers of a crippling disease is marking its first decade in Darlington.

The Darlington branch of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society has been offering practical and emotional support to sufferers for ten years this month.

The painful rheumatic disease effects the spine, but can spread to other parts of the body, including the hips, shoulders and eyes.

There is no known cure for the disease, which fuses the joints of the spine, eventually leaving the backbone rigid, which prevents sufferers from bending or straightening up.

It is mainly diagnosed in people in their late-20s, and five times as many men suffer from it as women.

The disease was brought into the spotlight in 1996, when television funnyman Lee Hurst revealed he had been diagnosed with the crippling condition.

There are about 15 members of the Darlington branch of the society who meet once a week at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

They enjoy some light physiotherapy exercise and then spend time discussing treatments and how they are coping with their own symptoms.

Alwyn Woodcock, 56, of Hawksbury Mews, Darlington, has suffered with the disease for more than 20 years and was one of the founder members of the Darlington group.

He said: "The meetings are really beneficial for sufferers, not just from a physical point of view, but also emotionally. It is good to talk to other people who know what you are going through."

Members of the society can also find out about innovations, such as specially adapted glasses that allow people who can not move their necks to look up and extended rear view mirrors to help sufferers drive.

Anyone interested in joining the society can call Mr Woodcock for more information on (01325) 467809, or log on to www.nass.co.uk