RESIDENTS from across east Durham seized the opportunity to examine health service provision in their area.

With a health review under way, Easington Primary Care Trust called a public meeting to give local people the chance to judge how the proposals will effect their community.

Among key issues considered at the forum, which was held at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, was plans for local hospitals.

Health officials have agreed that there should be one main hospital for north Tees, which could mean the closure of the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

One possibility is the creation of a new hospital between the existing ones in Hartlepool and Stockton

The open day provided an opportunity for residents to put their names forward for places on health panels to be set up in east Durham.

Liz Allan, patient and public involvement co-ordinator for the trust, said it was important that people in the Easington district were given the chance to examine the review.

The trust now proposes to hold a series of evening meetings.