THE next stage of an initiative to reduce the number of suicides in County Durham has been set out.

This latest stage will examine ways of stopping people taking their own lives using exhaust gas, firearms and hanging methods.

It will see more high-profile campaigns targeting at risk groups and work to improve some of the North-East's most notorious suicide spots.

Darlington, once dubbed the suicide capital of the country, is still falling short of a Government target to reduce the number of people who take their own lives.

About 12 of the town's 100,000 population kill themselves every year - compared to an average of about 10 per 100,000 population.

The action plan, to be discussed by Darlington Borough Council's social affairs and health scrutiny committee next Tuesday, lists achievements to date.

Health workers have made contact with the rail industry and hope to introduce safety measures at suicide hotspots, including Durham railway station.

Letters have also been sent to every GP in County Durham recommending reduced prescribing of some medication that is toxic in overdose.

A basic course on suicide prevention was developed by the University of Teesside, and was fully subscribed.

In the next few years, health bosses at the Darlington and County Durham Priority Services NHS Trust will debate the benefits of school and college counsellors, work with pharmacies, and put more signposts at suicide hotspots.

Nationally the Government has set councils the target of reducing suicide rates by 20 per cent.