A HEALTHY living centre has been opened in a North-East community with one of the poorest records in the country - and health chiefs are confident it will turn the tables.

The facility was opened in Easington Colliery, in County Durham, following a £750,000 refurbishment of a former waterworks.

Officially opened by Easington MP John Cummings, Healthworks, in the town's Paradise Lane, features a cardiovascular gym with a gym for children, weight management programmes, men's health and a food coop.

It also offers healthy eating courses, a quit-smoking service and benefits and citizens' advice.

This year, The Health Profiles report highlighted Easington for having the highest rate of smokers anywhere in England - 37 per cent, compared with an average of 26 per cent.

Easington also has the highest rate of people claiming sickness benefits due to mental health problems.

Yesterday's event was joined by Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper, who comes from Easington.

After trying out some of the equipment, he said: "It is a firstclass facility and the money has been well spent. I would encourage everyone to come along and use it. "

Other services at the centre include the police, Age Concern and Chiropody Watch.

Lady Ann Calman, of the County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT), which will run the centre, said: "Healthworks is a ground-breaking initiative that will make a real difference towards improving the health of the people of Easington.

"The centre is in the middle of an area of the greatest need, with good transport links and will serve as a focal point for the community where everyone can benefit.

"We have known about the health problems here for a long time and have always worked hard in Easington, but the services have tended to be spread out.

"This will allow us to bring all the services together under one roof."

PCT partnership and performance manager Graeme Greig said: "Everyone does acknowledge that Easington does have its fair share of health problems, but the PCT is doing something positive about it.

"It is a long-term project. But even if say, for example, we can stop 300 people to stop smoking in the first year, that in itself will be an achievement."

The site was developed as part of the neighbourhood renewal programme in partnership with the Easington District Council, Northumbrian Water, East Durham Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), and Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder.