A CARDIAC rehabilitation programme is to get a £45,000 extension in an attempt to tackle an alarmingly high death rate from heart disease in the Wear Valley.

A successful application for Government funding to extend Bishop Auckland Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation/Exercise Referral scheme will mean more access for patients who have suffered heart attacks or other forms of heart disease.

Last year about 150 people benefited from the scheme based at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre in Bishop Auckland.

The money will see a further 13 new technology exercise machines installed at the leisure centre to assist in the programme which focuses on introducing people to a healthier lifestyle looking at both diet and exercise.

Wear Valley District Council leisure facilities manager Andrew Frankcom said the council, the Dales Primary Care Group, Bishop Auckland Hospital and local doctors have all contributed to the programme which has helped thousands of people since it was established.

He said: "Wear Valley ranks amongst the worst in the country in respect of adult life expectancy. Many cases are as a result of very high incidences of coronary heart disease and other related ailments which are generally a product of adverse lifestyle choices such as poor diet, high levels of smoking and lack of exercise.''

The new equipment will be situated where the leisure centre's squash courts are.

Mr Frankcom said: "The area is ideal because it provides ground-floor access for our target group, many of whom experience access difficulties.

"Squash will continue to be provided by Wear Valley District Council at Glenholme Leisure Centre, Crook and regular squash playing members of the Wear Fit Club are being given the option to play at nearby King James Community College.''

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme helps people regain their confidence and many taking part in it have confessed to being healthier and feeling better than they were before they were ill.

It involves a four to six-week rehabilitation course that uses cardio- vascular gym equipment, aerobic exercise, swimming and advice on diets.