"OUT of all the grief we've had, it seems something positive will come out of it."

Those were the words of Janet Gamble, of Foxwood Hill, York, reacting to the news that York Gambling Service (YGS) is to hold its first meeting next week, following the death of her 41-year-old son, Adrian Gamble, who committed suicide last year after spending thousands of pounds on his gambling addiction.

Mrs Gamble told The Press last month that her son, also of Foxwood Hill, had tried unsuccessfully to find somewhere in York he could go to meet other problem gamblers.

Retired bingo hall manager Alfred Redpath, 65, of Acomb, York, was inspired by The Press's story to set up a gambling support service in the city.

With the backing of Mrs Gamble, her daughter, Sarah Gamble, and Andrew Waller, executive member for neighbourhood services at City of York Council, as well as several compulsive gamblers in the city, Mr Redpath has organised the YGS meeting, which at least several people are expected to attend.

Mrs Gamble, who along with her daughter intends to actively support the service in time, said: "I'm really pleased about this - obviously it won't take away what's happened, but I feel something constructive has come out of Adrian's death. If we had had this before Adrian's death, maybe he would have had some help, but if it can help someone else, it's better than nothing. It's really good that people have come together to bring something to York which is clearly needed - I would like to thank everybody who's got involved. Sarah will be over the moon, because she really wanted something to come out of this."

Councillor Andrew Waller said: "I'm pleased that it seems like the group has established itself relatively quickly - I think it's a positive sign. If we can get this group going, then people have a point of contact in York and they don't need to feel alone. It's good that something constructive has come out of the death of Mr Gamble - we're all working to make sure there is a support service in York for compulsive gamblers."

Mr Redpath, who will chair the first meeting, said: "I'm delighted we've found somewhere to hold our first meeting and it looks like it will be a permanent venue too. With two big car parks nearby, it seems to be quite a handy and convenient venue. I'm really pleased that the service seems to have got off the ground."

The meeting will be on Wednesday, July 25, at the Salvation Army Citadel, in Gillygate, York, from 8pm.

For further information, phone Mr Redpath, on 01904 345341.