A GROUP that campaigned to save a local library has changed its name to reflect its new aims.

The Friends of Cockerton Library committee, formed after it successful lobbied Darlington Borough Council to keep the facility open on a part time basis, has been renamed Darlington Friends of the Libraries.

A friends spokesman said: “This new name is in response to discussions with library management on the many ways that a friends group can support Darlington library services as a whole.

“Many support roles have been identified, for example, assisting with groups who meet in the libraries, cataloguing books, IT help for library users.

”We are working towards setting up a register of people interested in volunteering. However it must be stressed that volunteers will not be replacing permanent library staff.”

An open afternoon for people interested in volunteering or becoming a friend will be held on Thursday, April 19, between 1pm and 6pm, at Cockerton Library.

Friends group members and library management staff will be available to answer questions and discuss how volunteer support would assist the library service in Darlington.

For more information visit the new website, darlingtonfriendsofthelibraries.btck.co.uk