A pilot scheme is helping elderly people in east Durham retain their independence while receiving the best of care.

The joint venture between Durham Social Services, Easington Primary Care Group and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust is ensuring that, after being discharged from hospital, elderly patients are provided with follow- up treatment before going home.

As well as making sure that pensioners receive tailor-made after-care in comfortable and safe surroundings, the programme is helping to free hospital beds.

The Grampian House Rehabilitation Project, in Peterlee, was launched this year.

It ensures that anyone admitted receives intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy based on their individual needs.

One of those to have benefited is 87-year-old Mary Hall, who said yesterday: "It was just like being in a hotel. They did everything they possibly could for me."

Peter Moore, a team manager with Durham Social Services said: "Before this pilot was introduced, people who weren't safe enough to return home faced a stay in a care home or longer periods in hospital. Now there is another option."