A PIONEERING heart service has been shortlisted for a national award for helping Darlington angina sufferers enjoy life to the full.

The success of the service, run by Darlington Primary Care Trust, was announced during National Heart Week.

The trust launched its community cardiac rehabilitation programme in October 2001, when it was one of the first of its kind in the country.

Since then, the programme has helped almost 300 people who are suffering from angina.

It has now been selected as a finalist in the Health and Social Care Awards.

A team from the cardiac rehabilition programme will travel to London for the judging of the Department of Health competition on July 1, with a chance to win £15,000 to further develop the service.

A spokeswoman said: "This has given the staff involved the opportunity to be at the forefront of developing a quality service for patients and carers that meet national requirements and local needs. It has shown us that we are making a difference to people."