A health drop-in service has opened to offer confidential support to patients.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service has begun its monthly service for patients to discuss a variety of health issues.

It will be based in Darlington Primary Care Trust's walk-in centre at Dr Piper House, in King Street, on the first Saturday of the month.

The service has also started a pilot scheme, Healthclick, to help people with long-term medical conditions and social care needs.

It focuses on Darlington's seven major long-term conditions, including diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, depression, strokes and lymphoedema.

The liaison service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm and on the first Saturday of each month from 10am to 1pm. For details call 01325-746175 or 0800-7835774, or text 07980-729730.