PEOPLE with learning difficulties in North Yorkshire are to be supported by a new self-help group.

Easingwold People First was launched yesterday, a new self-advocacy group established to serve the needs of people in the Easingwold area.

The group has been backed by York People First and by Vale of York MP Ann McIntosh, who has helped to find funding for the project.

Project co-ordinator Gavin Harding said: "York People First have given me a lot of support and help to get the project off the ground.

"When I approached them in January they had set some money aside to help set up self-advocacy groups in Easingwold and Selby.

"This money was from the York Partnership Board, and has given the Easingwold group a flying start."

The group has also been supported by Easingwold Community Education district manager Pam Collins, who has provided accommodation for meetings in the Easingwold Youth Annexe.

A permanent site for the group is hoped to be found by next year.

The organisation is one of three self-advocacy associations for people in the area, alongside York People First and Selby Speak Up.

The first meeting will be held at the Easingwold Youth Annexe on Wednesday, July 2, at 10am.

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, June 19, 2003