BRAND new facilities for multiple sclerosis sufferers at Frenchay Hospital have been unveiled around the region.

A touring exhibition was taken around South Gloucestershire to give patients a view of the new MS centre, which was funded by public money.

The displays coincided with national MS Week and were aimed at raising awareness of the centre and the condition, which affects around 2.5million people worldwide.

The opening of the centre, which was refurbished from the existing MS laboratories, follows a £250,000 appeal.

Fundraising manager Shaun McCarthy, himself an MS sufferer, said: "As someone who has MS, I am so pleased to have been able to open this much-needed centre and I'd like to say a big thank you to all that help us achieve this.

"We now need to continue to raise funds for a dedicated MS physiotherapist, a neuropsychologist and full-time research manager to help manage the ongoing clinical trials.

"The Bristol and Avon Multiple Sclerosis (BrAMS) Centre is a real centre of excellence, thought to be one of a kind."

The centre provides treatment and a dedicated service for MS sufferers, as well as social care for patients with the condition which attacks the nervous system.

Fundraisers are now concentrating on raising an additional £80,000 so more staff can be employed at the centre.