RESIDENTS are being asked which services they would like to see in a £750,000 healthy living centre expected to open next year.

The former waterworks building in Paradise Lane, Easington Colliery, is expected to reopen as a Healthy Living Resource Centre in September.

Four thousand questionnaires are to being sent to homes in Horden, Easington Colliery, Easington Village and Peterlee about the plans.

A further 2,000 leaflets and questionnaires will be made available through schools, post offices, libraries and voluntary organisations.

All completed questionnaires will be entered into a prize draw and the winner, selected after the closing date on December 14, will receive a laptop computer donated by Northumbrian Water.

Project co-ordinator for County Durham Primary Care Trust, Fiona Gillespie, one of the main partners involved in the project, said: "The new Healthy Living Centre will provide a focal point for the local community and give a range of organisations and community groups an opportunity to address real issues which affect the quality of life of the Easington community.

"The questionnaire and leaflet will give us an opportunity to raise awareness of the project.

"We want to know what local people want and the questionnaire, as well as the events taking place, will give local people a chance to tell us what health and other services they would like to see provided and what would attract people to use the services."