A CHARITY worker from Chester-le-Street has won a national award.

Audrey Lines was picked from hundreds of volunteers across the UK and named Branch Member of the Year for 2002 by Epilepsy Action.

The award was made in recognition of her commitment to the work of the Durham and District branch, which she helped set up in 1978.

Since the branch's inception, Mrs Lines has served on the committee as secretary, chairperson and more recently as treasurer.

She has also represented Epilepsy Action at many meetings over the years and campaigned to improve epilepsy services throughout County Durham.

Most recently, Mrs Lines was instrumental in helping stage a major conference for people with epilepsy and their families at County Hall in Durham, which attracted 250 people.

The association's regional services manager Sue Blake said: "Having the appropriate advice and information empowers people to take better control of their condition, its treatment and its implications upon their lifestyles, and we know from the feedback from the Durham conference that it was a highly successful project.

"It also gave the Durham branch an opportunity to network with local politicians in an endeavour to improve care and treatment of the condition for local people.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to show Epilepsy Action's appreciation of all Audrey's hard work."

The Durham and District Branch of Epilepsy Action meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at The Parish Centre, Church Chare, Chester-le-Street.

It provides support, advice and information to people with epilepsy, their families and carers.