PENSIONERS in Hartlepool have stepped up to encourage others to get protection against flu.

Members of Springs, in Harbour Walk, were keen to prove that despite being fit and healthy they have still taken the advice of experts and signed up for their flu jab.

The injection should be given every year to make sure patients stay protected.

Wynne Rae, who visits the gym at Springs five times a week, said: "I get my flu jab every year in October and I never get flu. I try to keep fit as well. Everyone who is over 65 like me should make sure they get the vaccine."

More than 4,000 people die each year from flu complications and 85 per cent of those are aged over 65. Pensioners are one of the vulnerable groups that Hartlepool Primary Care Trust (PCT) is targeting before the winter when the flu virus is more common.

Hartlepool GP Dr Andy Downs said even over-65s who are rarely ill and consider themselves fit should still get the injection.

He said: "The jab takes two minutes and is safe, painless and effective and, contrary to belief, it doesn't give you flu. It's also free to all over-65s."

Other groups who are at particular risk from flu include those with chronic respiratory, heart or kidney disease, diabetics, people in long-stay care homes and anyone on therapies that suppress the immune system.