DOCTORS will be turning over a new leaf when they start writing prescriptions for books to help patients with their problems.

Stockton Borough Council's libraries are working with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, and North Tees NHS Primary Care Trust, to introduce the Books On Prescription scheme.

Patients will be able to take their prescription for one or more of the 29 books in the scheme to any branch of the council's libraries and take the book out.

It it is not immediately available, they can reserve the book, with no charge.

Sarah Campbell, primary care graduate mental health worker for Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, said: "Books on prescription is well evidence-based, and has been launched in many areas across the country to great success.

"Previous studies show that, for some people, books can be helpful as medication or talking therapies, as it gives the individual ownership of their problems and feelings, and provides practical strategies to help individuals cope."