THE Lord Lieutenant of Durham has joined a community bank during a visit to back plans to persuade more people to get involved with credit unions.

Sue Snowden joined the Prince Bishops Community Bank during a visit to Stanley with the Right Revd Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow,

Their visit was organised as part of the “Why Wouldn’t You?” campaign organised by the Church of England’s Diocese of Durham to promote members of the congregation to join their local credit union.

Membership of the Prince Bishops Community Bank is limited to people who live or work in County Durham, which means that money saved by members benefits local people in the form of easily accessible and affordable low cost loans.

Sue Snowden said: “It has been fascinating and invaluable to find out about the diversity of work being done. It is amazing the way they support people who may have problems managing their finances.

“People working together can achieve and what I am seeing is people working together to improve life for people. So much can be achieved by working together and this is a prime example.”

Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Revd Mark Bryant, who invited Sue, said: “It is wonderful that the Lord Lieutenant visited because it is her endorsing what we are doing.

“There is a growing sense that credit unions and community banks have a key role to play in communities where life is tough for people. Some people are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet and credit unions can help.”