HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn released 500 balloons from Darlington's sun-baked Market Square yesterday to launch the Happy Hearts Fair.

The MP was in Darlington to start the local health authority's drive to raise heart health awareness, supported by Darlington Borough Council, the British Heart Foundation and the Coronary Heart Support Group.

Despite the warm weather, people joined in salsa, aerobic and spinning demonstrations intended to encourage regular exercise.

There was also a marquee in which people could have their blood pressure checked as well as getting advice on good nutrition, stopping smoking and the prevention of osteoporosis.

A spokesman for Darlington Primary Care Trust said: "I am delighted this event is taking place for the second year.

"Heart disease is the biggest killer in our community, but hopefully events like this can help raise awareness and reduce deaths."

Mr Milburn said: "Darlington is probably leading the way as far as this sort of campaign is concerned, and we are lucky to have very good cardiac rehabilitation services.

"But heart awareness is still a problem in this country, and anything that is done to help is a big bonus. There are programmes across the country promoting awareness and we have to get the basics right, through things like an improved diet and taking more exercise."

But Mr Milburn was conspicuous in his absence from the queue of people waiting to have their blood pressure checked.

He said: "I think I'll give it a miss - you can't have blood pressure in my job."