SESSIONS of music and art are to be arranged to help people in rural areas recover from mental health problems.

Those suffering from anxiety, depression and mild forms of mental illness in Teesdale and Weardale will be included in the project, based in Barnard Castle.

Michael Harris, who retired last year as headteacher of Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School, has been appointed co-ordinator of the scheme, to be called Good for the Soul.

Advertisements will be placed to find musicians, artists, poets and drama directors to conduct the sessions, which start in summer.

The project was suggested by Rosie Cross, arts development officer for Teesdale District.