PATIENTS with long-term illnesses are being encouraged to sign up for a new course which could help to improve their quality of life.

Living Well schemes are planned for the Richmondshire district, starting at the Colburn Health and Recreation Centre on Monday, April 19.

Course co-ordinator Anne Botterill said: "The course has been designed to help people with long-term health conditions to regain as much control over their physical and mental well-being as possible.

"It's not about learning how to manage your diabetes, asthma or depression from a medical point of view but about learning skills to help you get the most out of life given the fact that you have a long-term health condition."

Courses are led by patients and those who have benefited will talk about how their lives have improved.

For more information telephone (01845) 573853.