HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn is due to cut a giant birthday cake in the region today, to mark the fourth anniversary of the NHS Direct helpline.

The Darlington MP will share the cake with staff and patients at the North-East NHS Direct centre in Newcastle.

NHS Direct is a 24-hour information telephone line, which is staffed by qualified nurses and experienced health information advisors.

Mr Milburn is expected to meet caller Michelle Anderson, from Washington, Wearside, at the event.

Mrs Anderson called the NHS Direct number 0845 4647 to get advice about treating her young son Keiran. She wishes to thank the staff.

Since NHS Direct was launched in the North-East in March 1998 it has handled 679,697 calls. In one month - December last year - handlers at the Balliol Business Park centre took 28,872 calls.

Some doctors have expressed concerns that the service diverts resources from front-line medical services, but the Government says it eases pressure on the NHS.

Ann Purvis, director of NHS Direct, said: "The service has established itself with the millions of patients who use it across the country each year. I am glad staff and patients can join us in celebrating its achievements."