THE future of around 700 North-East jobs looks to have been saved, after plans were announced to keep a major Passport Office in Durham City.

Concerns were growing for the HM Passport Office workers as a lease on Milburngate House, on the banks of the River Wear, neared its March 2014 end date.

However, the consortium behind the redevelopment of Durham's old ice rink has today announced it has submitted a detailed planning application for a new Passport Office on its site, known as Freeman's Reach, on the opposite bank of the Wear.

The move is subject to contract and Government approvals and planning permission.