A SERIES of events have been organised to ensure older people in Derwentside stay warm, healthy and safe over the winter months.

A range of activities and advice has been organised by Age Concern, Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Derwentside District Council.

Verna Fee, involvement and partnerships manager for Derwentside PCT said: "We have a long-term commitment to the community health development work and an equally important initiatives to help older people be healthy and safe in their own homes.

"The PCT is engaging with local communities and supports them in improving their health.

"I think that this work with older people is ground breaking in that it improves physical and mental health and will help the elderly to maintain their independence."

The next event will take place at the Stanley Dance Group at Stanley Central Club at 1pm on Friday.

Age Concern will be handing out information packs, free energy-saving light bulbs, hypothermia thermometers and See Me high-visibility shopping bags.

Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority will talk about the risks of fire in the home and will be taking names of anyone wanting a visit from the fire and safety officer.

There will be further information available on activities such as walking groups, exercise classes, and lunch clubs as well as tea dances that Age Concern supports in Derwentside.

Derwentside Dawdlers walking group will also be encouraging people to join them.