A service offering union members a "one-stop shop" for help and legal advice has been officially launched.

Kevin Curran, GMB northern regional secretary and Phillip Browell, partner in Browell Smith solicitors, opened their shared offices in Wallsend, North Tyneside. The office is the first of its kind in the UK.

Mr Curran said: "The GMB wants to take our union to the members. As part of that, we have opened this office in Wallsend to make it easier to get in touch with their union and take advantage of the GMB's free legal advice."

Mr Browell said: "We are delighted to be opening this office with the GMB. Members in Wallsend now have access to free legal advice on their doorstep. Browell Smith will have a member of staff on hand throughout the day to offer legal advice."

The office will be run by the GMB's health and safety officer Jim Marshall and his secretary Meg Dodd. Browell Smith will have staff at the office at all times.

Mr Curran is the favourite to replace current GMB boss John Edmonds in a forthcoming postal election.