DOMESTIC violence counsellors in County Durham and Darlington have joined forces to bid for £750,000 in funding.

A consortium between Darlington Domestic Violence Forum (DDVF) and the county's women's refuges is hoping to secure the cash from the Northern Rock Foundation.

If successful, the money will be spent on a service aimed at perpetrators.

It will also pay for intervention workers to help victims at refuges.

The consortium will find out if it is being considered for the funding next month.