WEE COUNTY residents battling multiple sclerosis will have the chance to come together as one with the launch of a support group at the end of the month.

The MS Society for Clackmannanshire and Stirling will relaunch on August 25 at Stirling Rugby Club with a free afternoon tea, with as many people as possible encouraged to get along to help.

After the society disbanded recently for various reasons, it was decided to start it up again with a “fresh impetus and direction”, while giving sufferers the chance to meet others with the disease.

Joanne Saunders, events co-ordinator of the society, told the Advertiser how excited they are to get everything back up and running.

She said: “The group is completely new. We wanted to relaunch it as there are a number of people in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and surrounding areas with MS, so that’s why we decided to bring it back.

“We are looking for a fresh direction to go in with the society.”

Organisers say there will be a whole host of events and activities for everyone to join in on.

And although the event is free, there will be opportunities to donate and contribute to the cause.

Joanne added: “We are planning a family fun afternoon for the MS community in Clacks & Stirling with children activities, opportunity to meet the new volunteers, support agencies across the area, along with some chat and refreshments.

“There will be a chance to win prizes and one special competition is the Best Mug #bringyourownmug, and numerous opportunities to have your say in what you would like to see us do to support MS sufferers in the area.

“We are also hoping Luke Graham MP will be in attendance, although it isn’t confirmed yet. The director of the Scottish MS Society will be there to give a speech, however.”

As well as events on the day, the society is setting up a number of events for MS sufferers in the coming months, including photography, yoga and box frame art.

All events will be held with the aim of bringing people together in a comfortable environment, as Joanne said a key aspect of the disease is keeping the mind active.

The event is taking place on Sunday, August 25 at Stirling Rugby Club between 1-3pm.