A HEALTH care authority marked its first full year of providing services in north Durham yesterday.

Derwentside Primary Care Trust launched its annual report for the 2003/4 financial year at a board meeting in Dipton Community Centre, near Stanley.

The document outlines how its money is spent, achievements over the year and areas still to be addressed.

The district has a history of poor health, and more projects are planned to tackle obesity, smoking and teenage pregnancy rates.

Wynn Griffiths, trust chief executive, said: "We are by no means complacent.

"There is an awful lot of work to be done to make people realise that they can help to improve their own health."

Plans for this year include the upgrade of GP surgeries in Derwentside. Those listed for relocation to new premises include Low Westwood in Hamsterley Colliery, and Burnopfield, near Stanley.

Mr Griffiths said: "We have secured the funding for both these sites and would hope to see new buildings going up in the next 18 months."

The trust is also in negotiations to build a large health centre in Stanley. Most of the district has good GP coverage but more doctors are needed in Stanley.