A new advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual people has been given full support by Sutton's parliamentary pair.

Sutton Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) Forum has been launched to raise awareness of LGBT issues in the area.

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake met the group's founder, Tyrone Ashby, last week to find out more about their work.

Mr Ashby said: "Sutton’s LGBT Forum gives lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people a voice in Sutton.

"If you have got something to say about how things are done around here please get in touch. This is a new group, looking for new members." 

The group aims to highlight issues that matter to the LGBT community in the area including homophobic bullying and raising awareness in schools.

Mr Brake: "This is a great initiative - Tyrone and the Sutton LGBT Forum have my full support."

"I am happy that the LGBT community in Sutton will be able to find advice, information, and services catered to their needs under just one roof."

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow has also given the group his support.

As one of its first initiatives, the LGBT Forum will be conducting a survey into the quality of services currently available to the LGBT community.

The survey will open later this month, will run for six weeks and will be open to all LGBT people in Sutton and the neighbouring boroughs.

The survey will be available at the group's website at http://lgbtsutton.org.uk.