DOZENS of kites took to the skies yesterday to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Service users and staff at mental health charity Mind, in Darlington, made the kites before flying them in the town's South Park, yesterday.

The event was held as part of Mind week, which aims to promote the charity and raise awareness of the difficulties that people with poor mental health face.

Gary Emerson, chief executive of Darlington Mind said: "There is a great deal of prejudice surrounding mental health.

"They have problems with access to jobs and services, and find it difficult integrating into society.

"They have to overcome a stigma which is prevalent in society.

"What Mind does is treat our service users as the human beings they are, attempt to break down that stigma and help them live a normal life."

For information, visit www.mind.org.uk