A BRISTOL centre for multiple sclerosis patients is supporting more research into the condition with the appointment of new medical staff.

The BrAMS (Bristol Avon Multiple Sclerosis) Centre at Frenchay Hospital was set up using public donations to provide therapies for people with the neurological condition.

Patients who use the centre can benefit from research trials and treatments that are being carried out by experts based at the hospital.

BrAMS has now appointed a new registrar and a doctor who are involved in treating patients using new stem cell research and a specialist physiotherapist to help patients with day to day living.

They were funded by £45,000 raised by the family of a woman who was diagnosed with MS.

Katie Forbes' relatives took part in the Mongol Rally for the cause.

The BrAMS centre was the first of its kind in the UK when it opened in December 2008.

Registrar Dr Jonathan Witherick is the latest recruit to join the research team led by Professor Neil Scolding, who has been carrying out stem cell research since 1999.

Dr Kirsty Inglis is meeting patients at the clinic alongside consultant neurologist Dr David Cottrell.

The new physiotherapist Tania Burge is helping MS patients maintain their mobility and giving them advice on exercise.