A PETITION demanding that a pharmacy be opened at Asda, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, was given to Redcar MP Vera Baird yesterday.

The MP promised to pass the petition, which has been signed by more than 1,000 people, to the NHS.

Ms Baird said: "Applications to open up new chemist shops are dealt with by the local NHS primary care trust, who must take into account the potential effects that the new outlet could have on other pharmacies in the area.

"It is important that South Bank people have easy and convenient access to the services of a local pharmacist for advice and guidance on treatment as well as the dispensing of NHS prescriptions."