A LEADING epilepsy charity has issued an appeal for more volunteers to help spread the word about the condition in Yorkshire.

And people in North Kirklees have been urged to help out at stands at Dewsbury and District Hospital.

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK, affecting around one in 200 people.

It is characterised by major seizures or momentary loss of attention or consciousness, in the minor form of the disease.

The National Society for Epilepsy's Information Network, runs outreach services alongside neurology clinics at hospitals in 80 locations throughout the country.

They offer local support to people with epilepsy, their families, carers and others in the community.

But the network relies on the support of volunteers.

And local people are needed to help maintain the service.

The network's regional co-ordinator Alan Davies urged people with a few hours to spare to come forward.

Volunteers will staff an information stand during epilepsy and neurology clinics in hospitals.

All are given full training, meaning volunteers need no prior knowledge about epilepsy.

Dewsbury and District Hospital have agreed to join the scheme along with: Clayton and Pinderfield General Hospitals in Wakefield; ; Pontefract General Infirmary; Harrogate District Hospital; Airedale General Hospital in Keighley; and Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital in Leeds.

Epilepsy Information Network team as a volunteer can contact Alan Davies on 01904 762812 or via email at alan@alancdavies.fsnet.co.uk

For information on any aspect of epilepsy, call the NSE helpline on 01494 601400 or log onto www.epilepsynse.org.uk