NEW facilities for disabled people at a rural bank have been opened by a County Durham MP.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster, who announced on Thursday that he will stand down at the coming General Election, visited Barclays Bank, in Middleton in Teesdale, on Friday to mark its recent refurbishment.

The bank has improved access with a new level access which leads customers through power-assisted doors.

The layout of the banking hall has also changed to allow wheelchairs and pushchairs to move about more freely.

Other new services include improved lighting, larger signage, a hearing induction loop at every till and and a new cash machine.

Mr Foster said: "I am delighted that disabled customers now have easier access to banking services in Middleton in Teesdale.

"Barclays deserves praise for responding to the needs of my constituents and their continued commitment to the local community."

Branch manager Joanne Gill said: "We want to offer our disabled customers more choice and control when it comes to banking."