A course to help heart patients in a rural area and guide them on the road back to full fitness has been launched this week.

Seven people have signed up for the project in the Teesdale Sports Centre at Barnard Castle, and all said it could improve their lives.

They will attend twice-weekly sessions supervised by Helen Triveda, coronary heart disease specialist nurse for the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust.

The course has been planned by Gerry Behir, Teesdale's health and physical activity co-ordinator, and will spare patients journeys to Darlington or Bishop Auckland for recovery treatment.

Gladys Hutchinson, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, has undergone two heart bypass operations.

She said: "It is wonderful to have this help in the area for the first time. I'm sure it will assist many people to get back in good shape."

Gerry Osborne, from Winston, who has also had a bypass, said: "It is excellent that we can get expert advice so close to home on how to get ourselves fit again."

At the opening session on Monday, participants' weight, blood pressure, pulse and general health were checked.

In coming weeks participants will start gentle routines in a fitness suite and be given advice about diet and outside exercise.