A NEWPORT group is using the power of song to get across the message that people with a learning disability have the same rights as other members of society.

People First already speaks with a powerful and united voice for people with learning difficulties.

Now some of the members have turned to music by recording the Slade song My Oh My at Shabby Road studio.

And the band's famous vocalist, Noddy Holder, not only gave his approval to the project but sent a message of support.

Listen to the song here

He wished them the best of luck and hoped the song "goes some way to spirtually uplift everyone along the way".

Terence Farmer, secretary of the self-advocacy group, said they were proud to have taken part in the project.

He felt it would play an important part in their campaign to get people to "listen and understand" the needs of those with progressive learning.

Members of Newport People First meet once a month and take part in other activities such as making an anti-bullying video which is currently being worked on.

Stephen Miles, sports and entertainments officer, decided to concentrate on fitness when he saw people were not getting enough exercise.

Chairman Nick Bowers said being a group, rather than individuals, meant people listened to them more and they also met other groups.

Treasurer Mark Gibbard added they also attended conferences. "It gives everybody a purpose to get out and find out what other organisations are doing."

Future unsure for model group Newport People First is run by the members and works in partnership with other organisations, such as social services and Gwent Police, and has been recognised as a model of good practice.

New members from the city are welcome to join and groups for people from black and ethnic minorities and a young persons group (18-25) were set up in 2007.

Despite the success of the Newport group, there is much that could still be done to improve the lives of people with a learning disability, but three years of funding from the Assembly is due to end next March.

Support worker Chris Nevines, who explained they were also partly financed by the council, was not sure what the future would hold if more funding was not forthcoming.