A NEW way of storing medical information which could save lives has been launched in County Durham.

Sedgefield is the first village in the county to have the free Data-Link emergency information scheme - otherwise known as the "flask in the fridge" scheme.

Neighbourhood Watch is running the scheme in Sedgefield. It is financed by the town council and involves data pots being stored in the refrigerators of elderly and vulnerable residents. The pots contain information which can be easily accessed by the emergency services if they are called to a home in the event of accident or illness.

Each pot contains a form carrying personal details of previous illnesses, medication and next of kin. It is also suggested residents include a copy of their last prescription.

Each pot is clearly marked and comes with two stickers to display on the fridge door and outside the home. The reason for putting the flask in the fridge is because that is the last appliance to be damaged in the event of fire.

David Hillerby, of Sedgefield Neighbourhood Watch, said: "In Sedgefield we have distributed it to the aged and the vulnerable, if they want it. We started two weeks ago and at the moment we have more than 250 of them in people's homes."

The pots can be collected free of charge at the village chemist's, surgery and library, and should soon be available in the council offices.

The scheme is soon to run across County Durham.

Age Concern Durham County has obtained funding for 42,000 pots to be distributed from the end of the month. The scheme is supported by Durham Constabulary, NHS trusts, Durham County Council, development agency One NorthEast and Durham Fire and Rescue Service.