CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has welcomed a new ten-year grant from the Government to support the Thalidomide Trust.

Health minister for care and support Norman Lamb MP announced on December 20 a new ten-year grant of around £80-million to the Thalidomide Trust.

Hundreds of babies were born with deformities and other complications as a result of their mothers having been prescribed Thalidomide for morning sickness and insomnia between 1958 and 1961. The funds announced today will aid the 460 survivors being supported by the charity.

The ten-year grant follows on from the current three-year grant introduced by the previous government. That grant will end in March 2013.

Mr Stride said: 'I am proud that this government is committed to improving the lives of disabled people and helping them to live independent lives. Today's announcement for thalidomiders underlines this commitment and a long-term plan of support will reassure those affected that they will be looked after in the years to come.

'My constituent Ruth Daniels from Copplestone has benefited from the financial support previously provided by the trust and I applaud her campaign calling for the Department of Health to make this long-term commitment.'