A PRIMARY care trust is inviting residents and patients to apply for the role of chairman by July 28.

The chairman of the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, Anne Beeton, is stepping down in the autumn so the trust is now looking for a successor.

Mrs Beeton, who lives in Staindrop, has steered the trust since it was established in April 2002.

Applicants for the post must live in Wear Valley or Teesdale or be registered with a GP in the area.

For anyone interested, there will be an open event on Wednesday, from 5pm to 7pm, in Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

The meeting will give people a chance to find out about the role. It will not be part of the selection process.

To apply, call 0870 240 3802 during office hours, quoting NY5566.