AN exhibition is to display the latest equipment and help available to elderly and disabled people wishing to live independently at home.

Durham County Council's social services department has organised The Ideas for Independent Living event at County Hall, Durham City, on Thursday, from 10am to 4pm.

Visitors can find out about the latest services and equipment available for elderly, disabled, and sight and hearing impaired people.

Anna Knighton, sponsorship officer with social services, said: "We have already had a great deal of interest from people keen to know what sort of solutions are available.

"Many families throughout the county have members who can benefit from the work we are doing, and they will be surprised at just what help and advice is available.''

Activities will include a healthy cooking demonstration, a chance to use adapted gym equipment, and talks on strokes, accident prevention, and mental health and deaf awareness.

There will also be demonstrations of the latest aids and adaptations for the home, and of armchair exercising.

More than 60 exhibitors will include companies and voluntary organisations.

Former Tyne Tees TV news presenter Paul Frost will open the event, which is being sponsored by Sarabec Ltd, a company that makes products for hearing impaired people.

Social services staff and staff from the county's health authority will also be at the event to provide help and advice on various topics, including benefits.