THE Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Wyre Forest branch recently held a coffee morning at Kidderminster Town Hall to raise awareness of the disease.

To mark the group’s 40th anniversary, various events are being held each month in a bid to increase knowledge of what the branch does to help those suffering from the disease.

The group also used the January coffee morning as a chance to pose their questions to Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier on what he can do to help his MS suffering constituents.

Julie Cox, chairman of the branch, said she was surprised at how open Mr Garnier was with his answers.

“I was very shocked by him,” she said. “He was very open with us and seemed genuinely interested in our cause.

“He seemed to hold his hands up and admit that he might not have done what he was supposed to have in the past, but faced up to it and listened to us.”

Mr Garnier said: “MS is something which is difficult for people who have it to live with, so I really commend the incredibly impressive work the Wyre Forest branch is doing.

“I had great fun and I really enjoyed the conversations I had with all the people who came along.”

Other events the group will be holding to mark the 40th anniversary include a jumble sale, 1970s disco, a performance by local band Blind Lemon and a summer barbecue.

For more information call Julie Cox on 01562 851172.