HI-TECH imaging equipment is being installed in Darlington to help prevent blindness among residents with diabetes.

Digital apparatus at Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) is one of five units set to boost health care in the area.

Almost 20,000 people will benefit from the diabetes screening service. More than £100,000 has been spent to equip Darlington and County Durham.

Diabetes affects blood vessels and can cause damage which leads to further health complications.

Equipment has been bought to examine the retina, looking for damage to the eye which could require corrective treatment.

Previously, diabetic patients have visited their opticians, who examined their eyes using a specialist piece of equipment known as a slit lamp.

From mid-March, patients will be invited to attend an appointment at the walk-in centre.

Darlington PCT's head of clinical governance Liz Graham said: "Technology has moved on to such an extent that cameras can now easily pick up any deterioration in the eye. Ultimately, this is a service that could prevent blindness."

Staff will use the latest digital imaging equipment to take high-resolution images of retina to examine for possible damage.

PCT retinal screening manager John Davison added: "The service will cover an area in which 19,600 people over the age of 12 have been identified with diabetes. We are hoping to have it up and running by mid-March."

In Darlington, the service will also include foot screening.

Diabetes affects blood vessels in the feet as well as the eyes and in the worst cases can lead to limb amputations.