A CAMPAIGN urging people to clear out their medicine cupboards was launched in County Durham yesterday.

Easington Primary Care Trust and local pharmacists are running the Time for a Clean Sweep campaign throughout October.

It aims to eliminate the risks of using out of date medicines, especially for children and the elderly.

Pharmacist Mary Quill said: "We want you to clear out your cabinets and take any old prescription medicines and over-the-counter remedies to your local pharmacy. The pharmacy will then dispose of them safely."

In the coming weeks, adverts featuring a sweeping brush clearing away medicines will be appearing in GP practices and pharmacies.

Pharmacists will also be giving leaflets to all their customers.