New arts and crafts sessions will be held at Gaywood Church Hall in King's Lynn to aid the recovery of people who have suffered strokes.

The sessions will be provided by West Norfolk Stroke Association and has been made possible after health and social care company Care UK's Wellbeing Foundation donated a £2,000 grant.

The grant will cover the costs of venue hire, teacher's fees and materials for a year.

According to the Stroke Association, the sessions will help 20 to 30 stroke sufferers per week to make new friends, relearn skills and build their confidence.

Gemma Smith, communication and support coordinator for the West Norfolk Stroke Association, said: 'We are very grateful to Care UK's Wellbeing Foundation for the grant. The sessions will prove invaluable to people recovering from a stroke.

'We know that arts and crafts help people to build up their strength, coordination and dexterity, and that is why we have been trying to establish regular sessions for a long time, but we could not acquire the funding.

'When people are so engaged in an activity, we know they can communicate through what they are creating. They are often amazed at the quality of what they have produced and they can talk to others, who are experiencing similar changes to their lives, in a supportive environment.'

Chris Hopkinson, operations director of Care UK, said: 'Our activity coordinators know the benefits of using arts and crafts as a means of expression, for those living with limited communication skills, as well as for the sheer pleasure of being creative.

'We were delighted to be able to support this worthwhile project which will support people throughout the area.'

To book sessions please contact West Norfolk Stroke Association Gemma Smith on 01366 377 803