LABOUR leadership contender Andy Burnham was in the region today (Wednesday, July 29) to support a health initiative.

The Shadow Health Secretary visited Shildon, County Durham, to learn more about the Health Express programme.

It oversees a number of initiatives to help people in the town live longer, be healthier and lead happier, more fulfilled lives and aims to increase awareness of health issues and help people access health services and receive support in better managing long term health conditions.

It has been developed by Durham County Council working with Public Health; Durham Dales and Easington Commissioning Group; South Durham Enterprise Agency, housing organisation, livin; Primary Care Partnership; and the Shildon community.

The Rt Hon Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland joined Dr Shelina Visram, lecturer in public policy and health at Durham University, along with representatives of the council to explain what had already been achieved along with future plans.

One example has been to take action to reduce young people's consumption of so-called energy drinks.

Mr Burnham said: “The programme brings together all the health service partners in Durham. It is a good initiative that I am keen to support.”

He said he favoured such a partnership rather than the current market-led approach and stressed the importance of improving mental health services.

He added: “I don’t believe the market is the answer for 21st century health care. I believe in a health care system based on people not profit.”