A JOINT project to prevent accidents in the homes of elderly and vulnerable people is proving a huge success.

The Handyman Scheme is a free service partly funded by East Durham Homes Care Services and Easington Primary Care Trust.

Work carried out under the scheme includes repairing carpets, putting up curtain rails, and fitting free smoke alarms.

In a survey of 48 people who had work completed under the project, 43 said they thought the service was excellent and everyone said they would use it again.

Care Services manager Linda Ogilvie said: "We are delighted with the response of elderly and vulnerable people who have been helped by the Handyman Scheme."

Anna Lynch, director of public health and health development for the Easington trust, said: "This scheme shows how partnership working can help prevent and reduce the risk of this happening. This is an excellent scheme."