DIABETICS in Derwentside are being invited to participate in guided supermarket tours.

The aim of the tours is to help people manage their condition successfully, and to highlight what to look for on supermarket packaging.

They will be run by community dieticians from County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) on a rotational basis - once a month at the Asda store, in Stanley, and at Tesco, in Consett, at various dates throughout the year.

Christine McIvor, community dietician for County Durham PCT, said: "Healthy eating plays a crucial role in good diabetes control for the 1.4 million people in the UK diagnosed with the condition.

"Although people with diabetes should eat a healthy, balanced diet, the wide choice of products on store shelves can be confusing.

"The tours are designed to help people with diabetes to know what to look for when choosing their weekly shop."

They will operate on a booked referral system. There are ten places for two groups of five for each tour.

To book a place on the store tours or to receive more general information about the, contact the Derwentside diabetes dieticians team on 01207-584349.