Plans for a pharmacy in a supermarket were supported only after objections from other traders were carefully considered, Darlington Primary Care Trust has said.

The trust's board has allowed Lloyds Pharmacy to open in the Morrisons supermarket at Morton Park, Darlington.

Director of Primary Care, Carole Harder, said the board had taken into account the objections raised by some community pharmacies in the town, but felt that there would be significant benefits.

Chemists in Darlington have presented a protest petition to Health Secretary and local MP Alan Milburn.