FOOD parcels are being delivered on a Teesside housing estate.

The scheme is operating not because of hard times, but is down to community spirit, with residents making life easier for some of their less-able neighbours.

The food distribution also forms part of a neighbourhood programme, along with measures to reduce crime, tackle environmental issues and improve health in the Parkfield and Mill Lane area of Stockton.

Fruit and vegetable bags are being prepared by members of community groups for residents unable to travel to market stalls in the town centre.

The bags are collected by resident volunteers each Wednesday morning and distributed to friends and neighbours.

The project is being managed by the North Tees Primary Care Trust (PCT) and is run through the Parkfield Public Health Network.

The bags are proving especially popular with young mums, the elderly and members of ethnic communities for whom visiting the market can be difficult. They are offered at a discounted rate of £2.50 per bag.

Margaret Sutton, a volunteer for the project and a local resident, said: "We are reaching a cross-section of the community and the word is now spreading about this fantastic health initiative."

Dr Toks Sangowawa, director of public health at the North Tees PCT said: "The benefits to the community are not only eating healthier food but from meeting other people and making new friends.''