DISABLED people are being offered extra help to achieve more independence.

Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn will launch the Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) information guide on Friday, at the Dimensions Centre, West Lodge, in the town, at 1.30pm.

The guide has been produced after comprehensive consultation with disabled people in the area.

Previously, disabled people felt frustrated that information on issues including health care, equipment, education, children and mobility, was available, but not all at the same place.

Now each person will be able to keep a copy of the guide at home and refer to it as needed.

Lauren Robinson, manager of Darlington Association on Disability, said: "The aim of DAD is to promote independence and choice, and information is the single most empowering thing.

"We hope this guide will be helpful to a great many people living in the Darlington area. It is relevant to people regardless of their age, sex or type of impairment."

Mr Milburn said: "I think this guide is an excellent idea, which will help disabled people in Darlington to get more out of the services available in the town."

Copies of the guide are available to disabled people and carers from Darlington Association on Disability, in the Horsemarket, priced at £2.50.

Versions in braille, tape, large print and on computer disk are also being produced.