MENTAL health charity Rethink celebrated the recruitment of its 100th member in County Durham by holding a promotional event.

Shoppers watched as 100 balloons were released in Darlington town centre to mark the progress made by the charity in just one year.

Valerie Minns, founder and co-ordinator of the County Durham group, said The Northern Echo had played a key role in highlighting the work of Rethink.

"The Northern Echo has been brilliant for us. Within a few months of an article about us we had 30 members, then 70, and now we have 100," said Ms Minns, from Darlington.

In recognition of the contribution of this newspaper, health correspondent Barry Nelson was asked to release the balloons.

Each of the balloons carried a postcard urging people to change their attitude to mental illness.

One of the postcards has a message which will entitle the bearer to a free pair of jeans.

Valerie said she was taken aback at the response from readers.

Subsequent articles about the difficulties of obtaining help for young people with schizophrenia and other severe mental illness prompted many telephone calls.

"It is amazing how it has taken off. There is obviously a big need out there. We have had a great response," she said.

Two weeks ago County Durham Rethink opened an office in Crook and volunteers are being sought for a befriending scheme.

Services to members includes a special advice and support telephone line, a regular magazine and a chance to influence mental health services.

Anyone interested in contacting the Durham Rethink branch can do so by calling (01388) 766721.