YOU can't see it, but you can feel it.

It is called fibromyalgia and is extremely painful.

It affects women nine times more than men, but initially is hard to diagnose.

One victim is Maria Cornell from Eardisland who has been suffering for 10 years.

She says it attacks the joints, can cause pain to the top, bottom, or whole body and has a serious effect on a person's mobility.

Known as the FM syndrome the condition often leaves people isolated and debilitated, particularly those who live in rural areas.

Maria would like to form a support group in Herefordshire for the many people suffering from the condition.

But she knows that some are not keen to join a group or can be too ill to do so.

The next best thing is a telephone help line and the charity FMA UK has provided her with one to help people in Herefordshire.

She is manning the line as much as possible and would like help.

Anyone interested in helping form a group, or with phone calls or is seeking help and advice for themselves or their families should phone the help line which is 0871 750 1725.

Or e.mail fmsupport@cornell12.fsnet.co.uk