ELDERLY residents in the Spennymoor area were given a winter health MOT when they visited the town's leisure centre.

Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT) invited patients aged 65 and over to have a free flu vaccination and a blood pressure check.

Staff from the PCT were on hand to offer advice to residents, along with representatives from the police, fire safety, Age Concern, Carers' Association, Passport to Health, Help The Aged and Neighbourhood Watch.

Carol Bean, collaborative facilitator for Sedgefield PCT, said: "The PCT wants to encourage older people to have a flu jab and an MOT to avoid becoming ill this winter.

"Older people who catch flu often experience more severe problems from the illness. Having the flu jab every year is the best way to reduce your chances of catching flu.''

The PCT recommends that people aged 65 and over, those with chronic heart disease or chest problems, kidney disease, diabetes or problems with their immune system should have a flu jab.

It is also recommended that people in residential homes are vaccinated.