A SERIES of events begins today in the Easington area, aimed at helping elderly residents keep warm this winter.

Easington Primary Care Trust has teamed up with GP practices, Age Concern and local community venues to hold several Keep Healthy This Winter days in the area.

The events give older residents a chance to get their flu jab and learn about ways to stay healthy over winter.

The first event will be at Wheatley Hill Community Centre today from 10.30am to 2pm. The day includes a free lunch, a free flu jab for the over-65s, blood pressure checks, a keep fit session, benefit checks, and advice from health professionals.

Julie England, from the trust, said: "These events give older people an opportunity to focus on health-promoting activities in anticipation of the cold winter months.''

The other venues include: Shotton Community Centre on Tuesday; Thornley Community Centre on Wednesday; Horden Welfare Hall on Thursday; Rock House, Seaham, next Friday; Peterlee Methodist Church on October 12; Donnini House, Easington, on October 13; South Hetton Community Centre on October 15; St Paul's Church, Murton, on October 18; Blackhall Community Centre on October 19; Wingate Community Centre on October 22; Peterlee Labour Club on November 3 and Earl House, Seaham, on November 4.