LONG-SERVING health workers will be rewarded tomorrow for their loyal efforts by the trust which employs them.

Members of trust staff and local GP surgeries with between 25 and 40 years' service will be recognised at the annual meeting of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust.

Awards will also be given to other members of the workforce for educational achievements in the past year. Durham's MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods, will make the presentations following the main business of the meeting at County Hall, in Durham.

During the meeting, the trust will also launch its annual report, reflecting on the past year and looking to the challenges of the year ahead.

Chief executive Andrew Young said that out of 303 primary care organisations across the country, the trust is one of only seven, and the only one in the North-East, to have achieved a three-star rating by the Healthcare Commission three years running.

He described it as, "a remarkable achievement", and said it was down to the efforts of the trust workforce.

"Our endeavours to improve the healthcare of local people during the year have been focused on a number of areas, including supporting local people to stop smoking and live healthier lives through healthy eating and more physical activity. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our staff and family health service providers."

Mr Young thanked the staff for their "continued commitment" during the year.

The annual meeting begins at 6pm, with the presentation expected to be made at 6.45pm. Copies of the trust's annual report can be requested by ringing 0191-301 1300.