THE Government has confirmed that its compensation scheme for Vibration White Finger (VWF) claimants will close later this year.

An advertising campaign has begun to warn sufferers that no new claims under the national scheme will be accepted after a deadline of October 30.

About £95m has been paid to ex-miners in the North-East suffering from the disease.

But the number of claims nationally has been dwindling from about 800 a week a year ago, to 350 a week.

The Department of Trade and Industry said it felt that it was an appropriate time to set a cut-off date, after previous deadlines were postponed.

A spokesman said it had previously agreed with claim-ants' solicitors that the scheme could be terminated at three months notice.

He said: "The number of new claims has been reduced in recent months and the department is keen to ensure that new claims are now assessed and settled as soon as possible.

"There are more than six months left to lodge a claim and we will be advertising the fact between now and then."

VWF is caused by drills and other pneumatic equipment and causes a numbing sensation in the hands and fingers.

Anyone wanting information on the national compensation scheme should call (0800) 5870753.