The scheme aims to help those who have had heart surgery

The cash will be used to set up a recovery programme for patients living in rural areas of Northumberland who have had a heart attack or surgery.

Northumberland Care Trust has set up sessions in Alnwick and Berwick and is hoping to extend the service to Wooler, Belford and Haltwhistle.

Studies have shown rehab reduces the risk of further heart attacks by 25%.

The support service includes free transport from home, advice on exercise, living a healthier lifestyle and the chance for patients and their carers to meet and socialise with people with similar problems.

Isolated parts

There are also plans to link the scheme with existing projects like the Healthy Walks Initiative in the North Tyne Valley and the Walking to Health scheme in Wooler.

The project is carried out by a team of fitness instructors, volunteers and a community nurse.

Alice Whincup, the trust's cardiac rehabilitation co-ordinator, said: "The programmes were developed to help patients remain independent by giving them and their relatives specific advice on exercise and fitness tailored to their needs.

"But some patients living in very isolated parts of the county are having to make round trips of more than 40 miles twice a week to attend sessions.

"The scheme ensures people have an equal opportunity to benefit from the service."

The Lottery money was awarded to the trust through the British Heart Foundation.