A WEBSITE to help disabled people access information will be launched on Thursday.

Maria Eagle MP, the minister for people with disabilities, will be among those attending the launch of NE Ability, at Durham County Hall.

The site was commissioned by the regional development agency, One NorthEast, after it identified a need for a tailor-made site for disabled people.

Keith Pattison and David Andrews, who run Net Effects from offices on Consett Business Park, County Durham, have devised the site by drawing on Mr Pattison's experience as a disabled person.

It contains information and contact details of more than 750 local charities and organisations; news on issues affecting disabled people, such as The Northern Echo's Access All Areas column; details of forthcoming events; links to employment services, and information on transport, shopping and recreation.

The site, which is the only one of its type in the country, began operating earlier this year and has already attracted many users.