AN event to encourage people to look after their hearts is being staged in Darlington on Thursday.

The Happy Heart Fair has been organised by Darlington Primary Care Group and Darlington Borough Council, to help promote healthy lifestyles and combat heart disease.

It will take place at the Dolphin Centre from 2pm to 7pm.

The primary care group's specialist coronary heart disease team will be on hand to check people's blood pressure and give advice to people who want to lose weight, give up smoking and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Linda Bailes, primary care development manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to raise the public's awareness of coronary heart disease by providing this event in conjunction with the borough council.

"In Darlington, 40 per cent more people die prematurely of a heart attack each year than in England and Wales as a whole.

"It is important that we let people know the value of a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of coronary heart disease.