A NORTH-EAST consultancy firm is settling into its new office in north-west Durham.

David Llewellyn, chairman of Derwentside District Council, welcomed Westray Recruitment Consultants to Consett.

Based in the town's old fire station, staff will aim to match people with employment vacancies.

Maureen Wright, managing director, said : "Consett was an obvious choice for a new office.

"As well as the vast amount of regeneration taking place there is also no other recruitment agency in the area.

"We firmly believe that in order to service an area properly, it is essential to have a local base and Derwentside was a gap in the market, where both businesses and candidates want to deal with suppliers in their own area."

The Consett branch is Westray's fourth office in the region.

Coun Llewellyn said : "Westray Recruitment Consultants will be a welcome addition.

"Their skills and expertise will complement those services already provided by business partnerships within the district.

"Any additional assistance within Derwentside can only help to improve employment opportunities for all."