PEOPLE with a long-term medical condition are being invited to become expert patients and provide help to others.

Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust (PCT) is looking for up to 16 local people with a long-term condition or illness to take part in its second expert patient scheme in Redcar next month, where they can learn to help others.

Christine Bound, service improvement manager for Langbaurgh PCT, said: "Our first course, which ran throughout July, was fully subscribed for the Guisborough area and we were extremely pleased to see such a wonderful turn out."

The national scheme, developed by the Department of Health, offers courses to help people cope with long-term conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis and mental health issues.

The courses are free and are designed to run alongside medical treatments. Benefits can include a reduction in symptoms, less pain, greater self confidence and a better quality of life.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the courses, or who would like to join the Redcar programme is asked to contact Christine Bound on (01287) 284423, or Stephen Wilkinson or Rebecca Willshee, at the Department of Health Expert Patient Programme North-East, on 0191-301 1522.