PHARMACIES in east Durham will be offering residents expert advice on healthy eating.

From today until Friday, pharmacists in the Easington District will give advice to customers on the benefits of buying healthy food.

Taste test challenges will be taking place with customers given the opportunity to taste foods with high and low fat and sugar contents to see if they can tell the difference.

All of the chemists will be offering recipes for smoothies and meals that include the recommended daily amount of five portions of fruit and vegetables.

Customers will also be given information on when and where they can take part in different forms of exercise.

Graeme Snell, public health development specialist for Easington Primary Care Trust said: "Having a healthy diet and taking part in exercise can result in a dramatic improvement in health and well-being.

"We are hoping to make it easy for people to make healthier choices by showing them that healthy foods taste good and healthy meals are easy to make.''

John Eilbeck, pharmacist at J Eilbeck Pharmacy, in Seaham, said: "Adopting a healthier lifestyle can mean that weight-related problems like diabetes and heart disease are reduced.

"I'm hoping to encourage customers to have a positive approach to healthy eating and exercise."