A SELF-HELP group for stammerers was today being launched in York and Scarborough to coincide with International Stammering Awareness Day.

After Pop Idol finalist Gareth Gates put stammering under the spotlight, more and more people are becoming aware of the problem.

Now sufferers in York and Scarborough will be able to meet people with the same problem and share ideas.

The monthly group meetings were being launched by Scarborough-based accountant Geoffrey Brown, who has stammered since the age of six.

He was also relaunching his intensive courses to assist stammerers to achieve greater fluency.

Mr Brown said: "The normal price of attendance at the three-day intensive courses, run at the Royal Hotel in Scarborough, is £400, but for bookings made before November 15 the charge is reduced to £200 in recognition of the drive to improve stammering awareness."

The next courses take place from November 22 and from December 20. Anyone interested in the course or self-help group meetings can phone Mr Brown on 01723 377700 or email him at info@stammering.co.uk

Updated: 11:13 Tuesday, October 22, 2002