SCORES of men from the Durham Dales area were given MoT health checks in an event which aimed to raise awareness of health and fitness issues.

Staff from Durham Dales Primary Care Trust measured the fitness levels of students and staff at Bishop Auckland College, and staff and customers in the town's Asda supermarket.

The events coincided with national Men's Health Week, which this year aimed to raise awareness of cancer.

There was also information on oral health, smoking cessation, diet and exercise.

A similar day was held at Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, Barnard Castle, to offer health advice to inmates earlier in the week.

The trust has linked up with The Northern Echo, Wear Valley District Council and Northumbrian Water, to try to reduce the number of deaths from heart disease through the A Chance to Live campaign.