IN a high-noon operation, east Durham officers swapped an old Victorian police station for a new £1m office yesterday.

The move by Seaham police was timed for midday and was organised to provide continuous coverage for the town.

The purpose-built office, which will accommodate more than 50 officers, has been built on the site of former allotments in the Avenue, off New Strangford Road, Seaham.

Construction on the building was completed two weeks ago and was followed by the fitting of equipment and furnishings.

And after the final piece of the transfer jigsaw was put in place, officers left the seafront Grade II listed building at midday to resume duties in their new home, half a mile away.

Police in Seaham emphasised the point that normal service would be maintained throughout the transition.

Although all telephone calls will, in future, go through the central communications room, in Peterlee, the telephone contact number for the public to ring remains as 0191-581 2255.

Inspector Geoff Smith said yesterday: "We are confident things will go smoothly. Just about everyone in Seaham has seen the new station being built or knows where it is, so the move will not be a surprise to most local people.''

He added: "I am sure the public of Seaham will find it is very much business as usual. There will be exactly the same number of officers based in Seaham as before, the same community beat officers, 24-hour response team and regular patrols.

"The only difference is that from now on we will be based in a more modern building which has better facilities both for us and the public.''

The old station, built in 1860, has been sold to Hetton-le-Hole firm Hellens, which plans to convert it into private flats.