A PARTNERSHIP improving life for people in twin south Durham communities will soon be offering free benefit advice.

The Coundon and Leeholme Community Partnership launches a fortnightly Welfare Rights Service next month in the Tees Walk Community Centre.

From the first session, on September 6, from 1pm to 3pm, residents will be able to find out about a range of benefits, including housing and council tax.

No appointments are needed for the launch day, but the service will be run on an appointment-only basis from September 20. For details, call (01388) 665225