A Ryedale arthritis group set up last October for young sufferers with the condition is proving a major success with membership on the increase.

But organisers of Young Arthritis Care say many people are not joining because they are either too embarrassed or have not accepted the fact that they are a sufferer.

Tracey Smurthwaite, an arthritis sufferer who helped set up the group, said membership was slowly building, but there were still many people who might benefit from joining.

Meetings are held every week at the Bowling Club, in Malton, and are like social gatherings which offer advice, support and information.

"Generally we try to make it as informal as possible. The idea is that we want people to enjoy themselves, make new friends as well as find something which helps them," said Tracey.

"A lot of people come to the meetings to moan about their condition.

"It can be very helpful to talk to someone who is suffering as you are and who can empathise which what you're going through.

"We hold social events which make the meetings a bit more fun, for example, we recently held a charity line dance which went down really well with our 40 or so members.

"We often get guest speakers in who can give professional talks on subjects which might benefit people with arthritis.

"The last speaker we had was an expert on alternative medicines which relieve the symptoms of the condition."

Young Arthritis Care's members range in age from 19 to 60 - ages, Tracey says, which are not normally associated with the condition.

"Finding out you have arthritis at any age can be devastating, but discovering you have it when you're young is worse because you just don't expect it in anyone but old people," she added.

"There are people out there who might benefit from joining us but are perhaps too ashamed to admit they are a sufferer.

"Other people perhaps don't want to be reminded they have it and so perhaps feel they want to avoid any help.

"I want to appeal to those people to come forward and join Young Arthritis Care.

"We can offer help, support and advice and we give people the chance to make new friends."

If you are interested in joining Young Arthritis Care, contact Tracey Smurthwaite on 01653 695696.

Updated: 12:37 Monday, February 12, 2001