A SCHEME piloted in Bishop Auckland to give stroke victims their independence has been hailed a success.

Under the project occupational therapists visit people in their homes to help them carry out day-to-day tasks .

About eight patients a month in the Bishop Auckland area are benefiting from the service.

A senior occupational therapist at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, Gale Platts, said: "It is not just about learning to do the basics again, such as getting dressed, it is also aimed at helping people with their hobbies, whether that is gardening or walking the dog. This is what makes the service so special."

The pilot scheme, funded by the Stroke Association, was launched in October 1999 and will run until September.