CHILDREN suffering from Myasthenia Gravis cannot smile and afflicted adults are often mistaken for alcoholics or drug abusers.

This neuro-muscular disease effects up to one in every 1,000 people and there is no known cure. This week, help for the men and women whose lives it affects arrived in town.

A local branch of the Myasthenia Gravis Association, a national charity, was opened. The group had identified a large cluster of myasthenics in the area. It now aims to provide care, education and research for victims and their families.

Regional organiser for MGA Tony Taylor said: "Myasthenia Gravis is one of the most debilitating diseases you can imagine. It is wretched."

The condition is sometimes referred to as the "rag doll" disease because patients become unable to control their muscles and limbs. In its most advanced stages patients are maintained on lifesaving respirators.

Tony explained that young girls approaching puberty, menopausal women and elderly men are most likely to develop the syndrome. The first signs include double vision and lack of facial control.

Tony said: "One of the saddest things is when you meet young children who cannot smile no matter how happy they are. To have a youngster that cannot smile must be one of the most upsetting things in the world."

More than 40 carers and sufferers attended Tuesday's launch at the Pilgrim Centre.

For more information, visit the MGA national website at www.crabby.demon.co.uk/mga