A Consett-based credit union is calling itself a bank in a bid to attract more members.

The Prince Bishops Credit Union is now the Prince Bishops Community Bank .

The community bank operates from Glenroyd House in Medomsley Road, Consett, between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

It was created in 2009 with the merger of East Derwentside Credit Union in Stanley and the West Derwentside Credit Union in Consett .

It is supported by Derwentside Homes, Derwentside Council for Voluntary Services, County Durham NHS, the County Durham Foundation and Sherburn Hospice.

Community bank manager Lesley Richardson, said: "We decided to rename the Prince Bishops Credit Union the Prince Bishops Community Bank to let people know that we are a community bank as we are helping the community to save money.

"We also think that a community bank is a more user-friendly term as the word 'credit' can put people off, particularly in the current economic climate.

It essentially serves to make us more approachable."

The community bank encourages people to save and offers lower than commercial lending rates To become a member people must live or work in County Durham, be able to provide two forms of identification and pay a joining fee of £1(free for children under the age of 16).

For more information call Lesley Richardson on (01207) 593443.