A LEADING GP who works within the region's prisons will be the guest speaker at a charity's annual meeting next month.

Durham and Chester-le-Street Alzheimer's Society will meet at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre at 7pm on Tuesday, July 5.

Dr Brian Docherty, who is medical director for the Durham cluster of prisons, will give a talk entitled The Health Of Prisoners - Does It Really Matter?

The meeting is open to the public as well as members of the society and is part of the branch's celebration of Alzheimer's Awareness Week.

The branch's annual candle vigil takes place at St Mary's and St Cuthbert's Church, close to the Parish Centre in Chester-le-Street, at 12.30pm on Monday, July 4.

Anybody affected by Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia can join members for a short service of remembrance.

During the week, there will be a flower arranging demonstration and volunteers will hold collections in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

For further details, contact the branch office on 0191-389 0400.