A SPECIAL event which aimed to help older people live well has been hailed a success.

The Older Persons’ Fair, organised by Rishi Sunak MP, attracted more than 200 people to the Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton.

Thirty-five local organisations offered advice, support and ideas on issues from pensions and benefits to leisure opportunities and keeping warm in winter.

Among them was the Day Lewis Pharmacy in Northallerton and pharmacist Tommy Ling offered advice about the health services available at pharmacies, including flu vaccinations and free blood pressure checks.

During the three-hour event he carried out almost 40 checks and identified five people whose raised blood pressure led him to recommend a visit to a GP.

Mr Ling said: “Identifying the five people with raised blood pressure means potentially the saving of five lives.”

Mr Sunak said he would look to hold similar events elsewhere in the constituency.