A stroke club are encouraging more sufferers to join them to receive support.

Cirencester Stroke Club, founded almost 30 years ago, is concerned that increasing numbers of people with the same disability do not know that the club exists.

The club is affiliated to the Stroke UK association and provides a friendly, safe environment for sufferers to come together.

They currently have 22 members who meet weekly on Monday mornings from 9am at Beech Grove Court Community Centre situated in Queen Anne's Road on Cirencester's Beeches housing estate .

The club does not meet on bank holiday Mondays.

Chairman Julie Russell, formerly a senior nurse who specialised in the care of those suffering from strokes, said: "Our main aim is to support local stroke survivors with the support of their peers.

"We offer friendship, activities, sign posting and a morning away from home to enable them to come together as a group while at the same time giving their carers much needed respite.

"We appreciate some younger members come and sometimes leave us...especially as there are those who are able to return to work. Some, sadly become unwell and are unable to attend."

Member Tom Goodfield added:"It is a super club.

"We enjoy each other's company, have interesting speakers and various activities, which make such a difference when you are often housebound from the results your stroke.It is such a joy.

"Please come along, it is excellent."