A SERIES of events to coincide with National Cancer Prevention Awareness Week has been launched in east Durham.

The programme has been jointly by Easington Primary Care Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

It is organised by staff and volunteers at the Macmillan cancer information and support centre in Peterlee's Castle Dene shopping centre.

The events were launched by the new chairman of Easington District Council, Councillor Charlie Walker, who has chosen Macmillan Cancer Support as his charity during his year of office.

The programme has been devised to help encourage people to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of cancer.

Each event will highlight different risk factors and lifestyle choices, exercise, sun protection, smoking and healthy eating.

Tomorrow, members of the quit smoking team will be on hand to give advice and encouragement to people to Packet In.

On Friday, residents will be able to find out more about healthy eating.

David Shepherd, manager of the cancer information centre said: "The aim of these events is to help people look at some of the simple things they can do to reduce the risk of developing cancer and also the benefits of seeking early attention of any suspcious symptoms they may be worried about.

"It will also give people the chance to have a look around this wonderful centre which is the first of its kind in the country.''