Darlington MP Alan Milburn has visited the town's Victim Support branch to learn about the progress of a new outreach service for domestic violence victims.

The visit was part of a national Victim Support event to recognise the work of volunteers.

"All too often the hard work of the staff and volunteers at Victim Support goes unnoticed. Today is a chance to show them how much we appreciate the work they do and mark the valuable service they provide for witnesses and victims," said Mr Milburn.

The Darlington branch has started holding monthly outreach sessions at the town's Asda store, to try to reach more victims of crime, particularly women suffering domestic violence.

Mr Milburn heard that the first session at the supermarket last month went well, with a number of people showing interest and collecting leaflets.

Dawn Storey, a volunteer counsellor, said: "The outreach sessions are about us taking ourselves to the community, so we are more accessible and can help more people."

Sandra Watson, co-ordinator at Victim Support, said that the Christmas season was often a very busy time for the branch, with an increase in crime, including burglaries and thefts, as well as domestic crimes.

"Christmas can be a bad time for some families. There is more alcohol around, people are off work and school, there are financial pressures, and what should be the best time of year can turn into the worst time of the year," she said.

The outreach sessions, which offer a free and confidential service, are held on the last Thursday of every month in the foyer of the Asda supermarket, from 10am to 3pm.

The next one will be on Thursday, November 27.