SCIENTISTS at a North-East university have been given a 96,000 grant to investigate whether wearing insoles can improve the balance and walking ability of poeple with multiple sclerosis.

Dr John Dixon, from Teesside University, will lead the three year project due to start in May.

The study - funded by the MS Society - builds on previous research which found that wearing textured insoles for two weeks improved walking.

Croc's Silver insoles were used in the research and they will be used again for the new study.

MS is a neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. Problems with balance and walking are common in people with MS and these symptoms can have a huge impact on peoples' lives, making daily activities difficult.

The trial will see 90 people with MS, who experience problems with balance and walking, divided into three groups; for three months the trial participants will have to wear either textured insoles, smooth insoles or no insoles in their shoes.

The researchers will look at the differences between the groups by looking at their gait and balance to see if textured insoles have an impact.

Ed Holloway, head of research at the MS Society, said: "The results of this project could help improve balance and walking problems in a low cost and effective way for people who have MS - this is crucial in helping people with MS remain independent."

Keith Craven was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and is chairman of the MS Society Teesside Branch.

He was also involved in the original textured insoles study conducted by Dr Dixon. He said: "I'm delighted to have a local university participating in research into symptoms of MS. It's a really important study."