A SUPPORT group is launching a course to help people with arthritis cope with their pain.

The Wear Valley Arthritis Support Group is funding a Challenging Arthritis course in Tow Law.

The six-week course starts on October 1 and is free to people with arthritis. It will be led by two volunteers with arthritis who have been trained by Arthritis Care.

A spokesman for the support group, which meets in Crook every second Tuesday, said: "This course will help people make the most of the support you can get from doctors, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

"It lays the myths, introduces relaxation techniques, discusses pain management and much more.

"Each session lasts two-and-a-half hours and is quite relaxed. You will learn a lot and there are no written papers or exams at the end, only the knowledge that you are not on your own any longer.''

For more information about the course or the support group contact Jane Clayton on (01388) 767262 or log on to www.arthritiscare.org.uk.