Multiple sclerosis sufferers are hoping to be prescribed a controversial drug which could slow down the progress of their disease.

Andrew Samuels believes beta interferon could help him postpone the day he has to use a wheelchair.

And Paul Anderson, of Keighley, will be seeking advice about his chances of getting the drug.

The Government has announced it is to jointly fund the cost of prescribing the drug with the manufacturers, for patients with relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis.

It can cost annually up to £10,000 a patient.

Each patient will be assessed to see whether the drug is working.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "If it was working, payments would continue. If not, payment to manufacturers would be reduced on a sliding scale."

Mr Samuels, 38, who had to give up his engineering job in Keighley about three years ago, has the progressive form of the disease, but still hopes to be included.

He said: "This is good news. I'm still on my feet and can walk reasonable distances.

"The drug is supposed to slow down the disease. I want to stay out of a wheelchair as long as possible."

His father, David Samuels, of Oxenhope, who has been leading the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group's campaign to get beta interferon funded by the Government, said: "Even though this is for a trial period it must be seen as great news for MS sufferers."

The DoH is in discussion with four manufacturers of beta interferon and related products.

The spokesman said it was unable to release further details for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

The decision is contrary to guidance given by the medicine watchdog, NICE, in August, which advised doctors not to use beta interferon.

It believed the drug did not give value for money and was not effective enough.

Mr Anderson, chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Yorkshire region, who also has progressive MS, said he would be seeking advice about taking the drug.

"When NICE came up with the verdict that beta interferon was not cost effective that was unfair, because they were putting a price on people's lives," he said.

He knew people who already used the drug and it was beneficial. Mr Anderson, 38, a student, was diagnosed with the disease in 1989.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society believes some 10,000 patients could benefit from beta interferon.