A MAYOR is backing a charity to help people who have to endure pain throughout their lives.

Durham Mayor Councillor Mary Hawgood yesterday accepted £500 on behalf of Campain from the Freemasons of Durham.

The money will be used to set up a helpline and produce a booklet advising people how they can reduce their suffering.

She said: "This will be used for people who are in chronic pain and provide a service that the health authority is lacking.

"People suffer with all sorts of pain like backache and arthritis. It goes on and on and it is very difficult to find a treatment."

Coun Hawgood has suffered from extreme back pain since she her spine was injected with myodil, a blue dye formerly used by doctors.

She can barely walk more than 100 yards and uses a wheelchair or buggy for her civic engagements.

Coun Hawgood added: "We are very grateful for this donation because it means people will be able to call us and we can let them know if there is anything we can do to help."

Campain Durham meets bi-monthly at County Hall, in Durham. The next will be its annual meeting on Tuesday, September 14, between 7pm and 9pm.

For more information call 0191-386 3407 or 0191-386 4395.