PEOPLE recovering from heart problems are taking a step-by-step approach to getting well.

Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) has handed out 20 pedometers to patients with heart issues. The small electronic devices count every step the holder walks. It measures the distance in miles and works out a daily average taken over a week.

They were donated to the trust by Joyce Gibson, Molly Murphy and Ivy Wade, members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, who work in the shop at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital, near Consett.

Mrs Gibson said: "We are pleased to give the pedometers to the people of Derwentside, and hope to continue to support the cardiac rehabilitation work being done by the PCT."

The trust has handed the out pedometers out as part of its Fit to Beat campaign which will teach cardiac exercise, relaxation techniques and health education, to help patients prevent further heart problems.

Sessions will be held at leisure centres in Consett and Stanley, with the aim of introducing patients to the gym.