A FORMER Labour MP has viewed a scheme set up to help improve the health and fitness levels of residents in Shildon.

Derek Foster was invited to look at the virtues of the Health Express which is run by Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership.

Amongst the activities being run by the group is a cycling session, Nordic walking and a health check survey.

The Shildon scheme is a pilot project and it is hoped to roll the sessions out across the whole of the county in the future.

Baron Foster of Bishop Auckland, who was the MP for the town between 1979 and 2005, heard that the Health Express had links with Durham University too.

He said: “It’s very exciting to be involved in the interests of health and social care, within Shildon where needs are so great and the talents and skills of people are so great too.”

Durham County councillor Rob Yorke, who was on the visit, said: “This was set up as a pilot scheme to look at the health of residents in Shildon.

“We are looking at the health inequality in Shildon to see if we can work to improve the situation.

“Lord Foster met the people helping to run the scheme and also some of those who are taking part in it.”

Details on the AAP schemes can be obtained from Lyndsey Thomason on 03000-267206 or via Lyndsey.thomason@durham.gov.uk