A CLUB started in Hartlepool for people who have suffered a stroke and their carers is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

The club, which began with just ten people, now welcomes up to 36 patients and their relatives and friends to its weekly meetings, which are held at St Joseph's Court, in Victoria Road.

Setting up the club was the brainchild of consultant Dr David Bruce, who asked former hospital liaison sister Joan Spoors to form it, with sister Carol Tunstall helping to secure the funding needed for the club's launch.

"When people have had a stroke, they don't want to go out anymore because they think people are looking at them," said Ms Spoors.

"The club gets them out of the house and it's somewhere where they can meet people who've got the same problems and understand them.

"So many of them have made really good friends here. It's been a great success."

The club is self-funded and raises money through subscriptions and holding tombolas and raffles to pay for the room at St Joseph's and for transport to take members on outings to restaurants.

At the weekly meetings, members hold quizzes and bingo and play skittles and bowls.

One of the longest standing members, Mary Bew, said: "We have a smashing crowd. It's made a big difference to my life.

"I've made a lot of new friends."

The Stroke Club meets at St Joseph's Court from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Mondays. New members are welcome.