A GROUP of people in Alcester are doing their best to provide support and advice to individuals who suffer from a debilitating illness, as well as helping families and carers.

The Alcester branch of Arthritis Care, a national organisation, has been holding information days in the town library at weekends to coincide with National Arthritis Care Week. The last one will be on Saturday.

Anybody who has arthritis, or cares for someone with the illness or is effected in any way is invited to come along for information.

People will also be able to receive information about attending the monthly club meetings where members can meet fellow sufferers.

Alcester branch secretary Foster Richardson said: "We are going to provide a great deal of information for people as there are a great many aspects to cover.

"Arthritis is a condition which can affect all sorts of people - the young and the old.

One area where it may often cause a lot of difficulties is in relationships and we will be giving out leaflets which deal with this.

"We will also be giving out information on how to get assistance and buy aids to help cope with the illness."

The group also organises one or two events a year which are open to anybody who is connected with arthritis. There is a day trip and a meal which are provided free to people with the condition.

For more information, members will be available for an informal chat at Redditch library on Saturday. There will also be a display of flower pots branch members have been painting ready for a national competition.