AN exhibition highlighting how older and disabled people can remain independent in their own homes will be staged next month.

The Ideas for Independent Living event at County Hall, from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, November 6, has been organised by Durham County Council.

Anna Knighton, sponsorship officer with Durham Social Services, said: "This is the largest event of its kind in Durham and one of the largest in the country. It will be a great day out for visitors.

"There will be display stands from more than 60 exhibitors, including commercial companies and voluntary organisations.

"A wide range of free activities will take place on the day, ranging from beauty treatments and armchair exercises, to talks on preventing falls in the home and keeping healthy and active.

North-East television celebrity Paul Frost will open the event and staff from the health authority and social services teams will be there.

Sarabec Limited, of Middlesbrough, is the sponsor.