A COMMUNITY hero has raised about £45,000 to help fund research into a neurological illness.

Beryl Compton, of Stanford Bishop, has reached the impressive total over a period of 23 years by organising bingo events with family and friends in the Bishops Frome area for the ME Association.

ME, or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, affects people of all ages with debilitating fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances and poor memory and concentration being commonplace.

The ME Association offers support and practical advice for people with the illness and their families and carers, as well as offering education and training.