ARTHRITIS sufferers in the region are being invited to hear all about an invention which appears to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Patients and doctors in the North-East are already using the battery-powered Ace 2000 machine to manage their symptoms.

Now the manufacturers are holding a one- hour demonstration at the Tyne Opera House, Westgate Road, Newcastle, on Saturday, at 1pm.

The inventor of Ace 2000, Arthritis Solutions, of Weybridge, Surrey, is hoping to fill many of the 1,000 seats with arthritis suffers and their carers.

Guest speaker is Major Ronald Ferguson, father of Sarah Ferguson, who is an Ace 2000 user Arthritis Solutions says its £199 device could help people cope with pain and immobility without the need to take drugs.

Doug White, 61, chairman of the Gateshead branch of the Arthritis Care charity, said he had been impressed by its affect on his 89-year-old mother.

"Eighteen months ago she was so crippled with arthritis she was in a wheelchair. Now, she can walk with a stick," said Mr White.

Kits have been loaned to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead, for trial purposes.

Dr Clive Kelly, consultant rheumatologist at Gateshead Health NHS Trust, said his colleagues had seen "some positive experiences" in trialling the machine.

"It is effectively an alternative to the patient having to take pain killing tablets, as it blocks their awareness of discomfort by producing an electric current which prevents the transmission of pain.

"It has been found to be more effective than similar machines in common use. However, it is important to remember that it is unable to treat the underlying problem." For more information about Ace 2000, call (01932) 853000 during office hours