The day began with the great news of the results in the by-elections in Sedgefield and Southall.  I was especially pleased that my good friend, Phil Wilson, got elected in his home constituency of Sedgefield.

My first appointment of the day was with Sue Warr of the Dorset Partnership for Older People Project.  This is the most fantastic use of £2.4 million of Government money from the Department of Health.  The County Council are piloting how to improve the health of older people over two years.  In Dorset they've chosen to do this by working with Age Concern and helping the elderly generate more activity for themselves, facilitated by leaders and "wayfinders".  They are facilitating a huge range of activities in areas such as housing and transport to people creating their own performances.  The helath outcomes are good and in a county with the largest proportion of elderly people it is exciting seeing something so effective being done.

After meetings at the Sailing Academy on the Olympics I went on to my surgery.  This was particularly difficult today with such moving stories - from neighbour disputes to child protection concerns.