KEIGHLEY Tinnitus Support Group is going from strength to strength.

And it is backing a national celebration, by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), marking the fact there are now 100 such groups across the country.

Katie Davenport, senior audiologist at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, leads the Keighley outfit.

"Our group has been going for over three years now and is still growing," she said.

"We always get good feedback and try to keep things fresh and positive.

"Our members find the chance to speak to other like-minded people invaluable. To know you're not alone with tinnitus is one of the biggest benefits.

"This year we have separated the sessions into themes based on feedback from our group.

"We could not have started-up our group without the support of the BTA, which has been incredible throughout our journey, so many thanks to it for its help."

Tinnitus, described as a sensation or awareness of sound that is not caused by a real external source, affects about six million people in the UK – ten per cent of the population.

David Stockdale, chief executive of the BTA, said: "The support groups play a vital part in helping people who live with tinnitus to manage and talk about their condition.

"We're thrilled that there are now 100 groups across the country and that Keighley has such a proactive one in place, offering those with tinnitus access to the support network they need."

For more details, visit tinnitus.org.uk or call the freephone?helpline on 0800 018 0527.