A CHARITY celebrating its 75th birthday has been awarded nearly £10,000 for a project to uncover the social history of County Durham and its residents.

The first Citizens’ Advice Bureau opened in County Durham on September 13 in 1939 with offices in Durham City and Crook.

Citizens’ Advice County Durham (CACD) has been awarded £9,300 through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Sharing Heritage programme to uncover how its users, and their issues, have changed over the decades

CACD chief executive Neil Bradbury said: “This is not just about the history of the charity, but also the social past of the county and understanding how people’s lives have changed over the years.

“This project will chart the changes in people’s problems and role the charity has played. For 75 years it has been a cornerstone for those in need of advice with close to a million people coming through our doors.

“We have seen some key developments this year opening new premises in County Durham and it is a fantastic time to capture our history and collect memories and stories of the CACD over the years.”

Dating back to 1939, old clippings held by the Durham Records Office shed light on the array of problems early volunteers and staff were faced with.

The charity is appealing for former staff and volunteers, and those it has helped, to come forward with their memories for the year-long research project.

The stories and records of the CACD will form the basis of a book and a touring exhibition.

For more information about the project or to share stories and old photos contact Marjorie Fitzgerald on 01388-825414.