People across the Dudley borough living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are being invited to meet others with the same condition at a friendly support group.

The Dudley & District Branch of the MS Society holds monthly evening meetings at the Beefeater in Kingswinford.

The group is aimed at anyone who has MS, their families and friends and is a place to chat, ask questions and speak to others in a similar situation.

Members can also get involved in fundraising and awareness raising events.

Rose Barratt, who was has lived with MS for six years, organises the support group and says everyone affected by the condition is welcome to attend.

She said: “When I was diagnosed at 22 it was such a shock and I felt like my world had been turned upside down.

“After months of trying to deal with it on my own I decided to join the national MS Society forum where I came across a post advertising a group in Dudley.

“I plucked up the courage and went. It was the best thing I ever did. Not only did I finally have people around me who knew exactly what I was going through it was a massive support for my husband too.

“Five years down the line and we are still expanding and reaching out to people in the local area.”

The next meeting of the group will be on Monday June 24, 7-9pm, in the function room at Beefeater Kingswinford, Dudley Road.

There will be a further meeting on July 29.

The Dudley & District Branch also hosts a weekly daytime meeting at Queens Cross Network, Wellington Road, in Dudley.

The group meets every Tuesday from 10am and offers a range of activities, guest speakers and trips out.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable and lifelong condition that affects the nervous system. Symptoms include vision problems, fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties and mobility issues.

It is most commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age.

For more information about the group, email dudley@mssociety.org.uk, search Facebook for MSdudley Branch or follow it on twitter @MSSocietyDudley