NURSE Mary Hoskins is using rap music to hammer home a crucial health message.

The district nurse hopes to increase the uptake of the flu vaccine, which is designed to keep the most vulnerable people safe this winter.

"I don't see why we shouldn't aim for 90 per cent," said Mrs Hoskins, who works for Darlington Primary Care Trust.

She will be taking her message out into the community, particularly care homes, and has also written a rap for younger people who may live with ailments such as asthma, diabetes, heart and renal complications.

It includes the lyrics: "Some of you are wheezy, so don't be sneezy, come and play your part and protect your heart."

The Government is so worried about the disease it wants 70 per cent of vulnerable people to take the annual precaution. Last year, the Darlington trust achieved a figure of 71 per cent.