A COUNTY Durham information service has won an award for the legal advice and information it offers the public.

Directions, has been providing information on a variety of issues to people in the county for seven years.

It has been awarded the Community Legal Service Quality Mark Standard for assisted information status.

The standard is a key element of the Community Legal Service's drive to ensure that public access to quality information, advice and legal services, is improved.

The Community Legal Service was launched last year to replace the Legal Aid Board.

Directions manager Alison Gargett said: "There is a great deal of work involved in applying for, and being awarded, this quality mark.

"Our staff, steering committee and funders are very pleased that this service has received this recognition.

"We work very hard to provide a quality service for the people of the county.

"Our information team is dedicated to this work and aims to ensure that people who contact our service for information receive a top quality service.''

The vice-chairman of the service's steering committee, Pauline Morphet, said: "The Directions team continues to strive to improve services to the public in any way it can. Receiving this quality mark is seen as a valuable addition to the services already provided."

The service is funded by Durham County Council. It runs a helpline (0800) 393726 and has an information point in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland. It can be accessed online at www.directions.sageweb.co.uk