SUFFERERS of the chronic tiredness condition ME are continuing their campaign to restore a specialist service to patients across East Lancashire.

Members of the East Lancashire ME (Myalgic Encephalitis)/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) Support Group have had meetings with health authority bosses to discuss the "unmet needs of the sufferers".

Last year the group was left devastated when a special clinic to treat the condition was stopped. The clinic was run at the Royal Preston Hospital by consultant immunologist Dr Norman Williamson until he retired.

Sheila Fish, publicity officer for the support group, said: "The committee members of the group have been in regular contact with the health authority and have had a number of meetings with the authority's representative in order to improve the situation regarding the unmet needs of the sufferers in the local community. "We will continue to campaign for and on behalf of these sufferers until such time as their needs are met."

The support group has more than 160 members, but Mrs Fish added: "There is the strong probability there are many other sufferers, including those belonging to ethnic minority groups.

"While they are being denied the basic service of adequate diagnostic provision, there is little chance of their full and speedy recovery."

East Lancashire Health Authority has repeatedly said there are no plans for a specialist service and that the condition should be managed by GPs who should refer patients to hospital if they are concerned.

The next meeting of the group will take place on May 12 -- International ME Awareness Day -- at Wilpshire Methodist Church, at 7.30pm. For details call Jeanette Birch on 01254 884250.