Sufferers of ME in Sussex have supported calls for a specialist clinic to be established in the county.

A survey conducted by the Sussex ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) Society found 99 per cent of people agreed there was an urgent need for the service.

At the moment there are long waiting lists for specialist services, which are based too far away and involve exhausting and stressful journeys.

Many severely affected patients do not have the chance to see a specialist because it is impossible to get there.

Campaigners believe there are about 4,500 people in Sussex with the condition but the nearest facilities available are based in London.

Although more than half of the 800 people responding to the survey felt their GPs were reasonably knowledgeable and helpful, many said a centre would be better able to help with diagnosis, symptom control and management advice.

Society chairman Colin Barton said: "We have been involved in meaningful dialogue with the health authorities for some time and a plan has been drafted for a specialist service.

"However, things are moving painfully slowly."