North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson has given her backing to a charity supporting those living with arthritis.

Around ten million people in the UK live with the condition, with about one in every six people across North Ayrshire and Arran being affected.

The SNP MP met with charity Versus Arthritis at Westminster and hailed their work in helping those struck by the disease.

Mrs Gibson said: “The impact is huge as the condition intrudes on everyday life – affecting the ability to work, care for a family, to move free from pain and to live independently.

“Yet arthritis is often dismissed as an inevitable part of aging or shrugged off as ‘just a bit of arthritis’- that’s not alright.

“I was glad to have the opportunity to meet with the charity Versus Arthritis, which works with volunteers, professionals and researchers to support those living with this condition.

“It is also working hard to develop breakthrough treatments, campaigning relentlessly for arthritis to be seen as a priority and support people with arthritis whenever they need it.

“I was delighted to meet this charity and show my support for the important work it does.”

To learn more visit www.versusarthritis.org.