A LOCAL charity is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style at a top York hotel.

Speakability, which helps people who have suffered a stroke or brain injury and their families, is taking afternoon tea and champagne at the five-star Grand Hotel tomorrow.

Sue Lally, the current secretary, and Bruce Steele, both founder members, will be there.

The group meets monthly at St Aelred's community centre to offer support, information, entertainment and refreshments in a friendly atmosphere and organise fundraising events to pay for trips out.

They also actively raise awareness of the disability, known as aphasia, which affects more than 250,000 people every year.

Speakability recently merged forces with The Stroke Association, which it hopes will strengthen operations and give the charity access to quality training and information.

For more information about the charity visit www.york-speakability.org.uk.