FUNDING has been secured for a multiple sclerosis physiotherapist for Hambleton and Richmondshire.

At present, MS sufferers in the area have to travel to York, Middlesbrough or Newcastle for physiotherapy, which helps to prevent muscle wasting and cardio-vascular problems.

Thanks to a £2,000 donation from Candis magazine and the fundraising efforts of the Hambleton and Richmondshire branch of the MS Society, enough money is available for a physiotherapist for a year.

Further funding has been provided by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust.

The eventual aim is to fund the position for two years, after which it is hoped the trust will take over funding totally.

The service will be based at Northallerton's Rutson Hospital, with an outreach operation in Leyburn and Richmond providing specialist treatment in these areas for the first time.

Yvonne Murphy, voluntary Hambleton and Richmondshire MS Society welfare officer, said: "In 2003, our founder member Allan Whitwam and enthusiastic committee member David Elkins both died within a week.

"They were both in wheelchairs for a major part of their lives and were desperate for physiotherapy that was not available here.

"David and his wife were particularly aware of the effects on internal organs from permanent wheelchair use and the detrimental effects on cardiac and vascular condition.

"This is why we would like to provide a service locally."