UP to half a million Britons are affected by a little-known disease which makes lives a misery.

But despite large numbers of people sufferering from Sjogren's syndrome, there is not a single self-help or support group between Newcastle and Leeds.

Now Sjogren's syndrome sufferer Chris Skilbeck, from Middleton St George, near Darlington, is aiming to bridge that gap.

Mrs Skilbeck, 57, a former careers advisor who was forced to retire because of her illness, feels strongly that there needs to be at least one support group for sufferers in the South Durham, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire area.

"I have been up to the Newcastle group a couple of times, but it is a long way to go for many people, particularly when mobility is sometimes a problem with this condition," said Mrs Skilbeck, who was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome in 2002.

A member of the British Sjogren's Syndrome Association, the UK's main charity which campaigns on behalf of sufferers, Mrs Skilbeck is urging as many people as possible to contact her before the meeting on Tuesday, February 7.

"It would be nice to know how many people are coming. I hope we get a good response because a group like this is really needed in this part of the North-East," said Mrs Skilbeck, who is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren.

"There is a total lack of awareness about Sjogren's syndrome - yet it is said to be the second-most common auto-immune rheumatic disease in the UK."

Patients with the condition suffer dry, irritated eyes, swallowing difficulties, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, muscle ache, disabling fatigue and impaired concentration.

The meeting will take place at Middleton St George Cricket and Social Club in Water View, Middleton St George, between 7pm and 9pm.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to ring Mrs Skilbeck on (01325) 335353.