JANICE Morgan describes her four years as chairman of the Newport branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society as "very intense" and it is easy to understand why.

When Mrs Morgan took up the role after husband Derek - who lived with the disease for more than 20 years - died, a handful of people were coming to meetings and the branch was close to being wound up.

A small band of dedicated volunteers, including Mrs Morgan, soldiered on and under her steady hand, the branch has thrived.

In that four years, it has established a new weekly drop-in centre attracting 25/30 people, contributed thousands of pounds to support MS staff in Gwent hospitals, and helped set up satellite groups in Monmouth, Chepstow, Bargoed and Caerphilly.

It also runs a small grant scheme, providing several thousands of pounds a year to help individual MS patients purchase items such as special chairs and disability scooters, and to help fund home improvements and disabled facilities.

The branch's work was recognised on the national stage last year, winning the MS Cymru’s Branch of the year title.

Ms Morgan is now stepping down as chairman, though she will remain as secretary - and daughter Sally will take over her former role.

"It's been a very intense four years, but very rewarding, and it's time for me to take a step back," said Mrs Morgan, who lives in Ringland.

"I've done voluntary work for years, I was a councillor (in Bettws) and helped set up the first women's refuge in Newport. But out of them all, this is the one I have seen the most benefit of.

"I'm very proud of what we have achieved. The branch demonstrates the value of volunteers in giving time to causes such as this, because it could not operate without them.

"Everyone on the committee here, with or without MS, is a volunteer.

"The drop-in (at Shaftesbury community centre) is great, and has a fantastic atmosphere. There's very little talk about MS there, it is as much a social thing, and a safety net for a lot of people."

TO CONTACT the Newport branch: Telephone 01633 663777 (answerphone when unmanned); e-mail mssnewport01@hotmail.com; visit www.mssociety.org.uk/newport The weekly drop-in centre is open every Friday, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Shaftesbury community centre, Wheeler Street, Newport, NP20 5LB. The branch also publishes a quarterly newsletter.