THE widow of a North-East war hero has officially opened a £2m information centre.

Shirley Annand visited Meadowfield, Durham City, to open the building dedicated to the memory of her VC-winning husband the late Capt Richard Annand.

Annand House, built next to the Meadowfield Sports Centre, is the third of Durham City Council's Information Centres to be built in the area - where residents can get advice and information on tax, benefits and council services.

The building will also house Durham Police's new section office and specialised suite for vulnerable witnesses, including the victims of sex attacks.

It will also provide a base for Durham and Chester-le-Street Intermediate Care Team, which includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and social work services.

The name of the building was the overwhelming choice of residents in recognition of the life of Capt Annand, who died on Christmas Eve last year.

The war hero, who was awarded the first VC of the Second World War after rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940, lived in Durham City after the war, where he became the Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham and worked for charities, especially bodies for ex-servicemen and the hard of hearing.

Unveiling the plaque, Mrs Annand, 91, said: "Dick would have been so thrilled that so many people wanted to call this great building by his name.

"Dick had endless patience and endless compassion for people who were disadvantaged, especially the physically handicapped and hard of hearing."

She was joined at the opening by Mayor and family friend Coun Mary Hawgood and council leader Fraser Reynolds.

Annand House was built by the Durham Villages Regeneration Company, a partnership between the city council and Keepmoat plc.