WHEN The Northern Echo set out in the summer of 1999 to highlight the scandal of heart bypass waiting times in Britain, we knew it would not be a short-lived campaign.

The average wait for a heart bypass patient in Britain was a year - in many cases significantly longer - while in other parts of Europe it was three months.

After decades of under-funding, that gap could not be closed overnight. Even with extra millions being pumped into the health service, surgeons take time to train.

The campaign was inspired by the death of 38-year-old Darlington father-of-two Ian Weir who waited seven months for an appointment with a consultant surgeon to discuss the triple heart bypass he urgently needed.

Three and a half years on, progress is gradually being made. The Government pledges that no one should wait longer than a year and the target is for a maximum wait of three months by March 2005.

The political pressure must be maintained - but that alone will not be enough. Additional investment in the NHS must go hand-in-hand with a greater emphasis on education and inspiring people to take better care of themselves.

Today, the campaign we call "A Chance To Live" enters a new phase with the launch of a unique partnership between The Northern Echo, Wear Valley District Council, the Dales Primary Care Group, and Northumbrian Water.

Throughout 2003, we aim to hammer home the healthy-living message in an area which has among the highest heart disease rates in the country.

The value of exercise and a healthy diet will be underlined through an exciting year-long series of events and activities, including The Great North Walk which makes a welcome return after the depressing days of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

We hope the people of Wear Valley join the initiative by taking part - even if it is only getting out in the fresh air and enjoying a walk in the countryside.