LABOUR MP Ashok Kumar will meet Health Minister Stephen Ladyman to discuss local nursing home fees.

The Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP announced the meeting after the Gracelands Nursing Home, in Guisborough, came close to closure.

Mr Kumar said: "Gracelands almost had to close their doors if they didn't get a better financial fee deal from the social services department." The meeting with Mr Ladyman will take place early in the new year.