HEART patients in Darlington helped to raise hundreds of pounds by taking part in a sponsored walk.

Darlington Coronary Support Group staged the annual event and raised £346 for the British Heart Foundation

One of the group's founders, Jim Rutherford, said: "The money will be used to fund vital research into the cause and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

"It will also be spent on educating the public, rehabilitation, patient care and the provision of essential life saving cardiac care equipment."

Mr Rutherford had a heart attack 14 years ago and once he had left hospital felt there was not much available in the way of support.

Today, up to 55 former heart patients meet regularly for exercise classes, talks, walks and to support each other.

"It is much better to talk to someone in the same situation than a doctor and meeting other patients puts people at ease," he said.

"Often patients are frightened when they leave hospital so talking to people who have already been through it can really help."

Darlington Primary Care Trust's clinical team leader for coronary heart disease Barbara Conway said: "Darlington Coronary Support Group work tirelessly for heart patients and their families with the nurses and doctors from the PCT and the hospital."