A WELFARE service will soon be in new quarters.

Durham County Council's welfare rights service, which operates from four offices around the county, is moving into the Rivergreen Centre, at Aykley Heads, in Durham City on Monday, August 21.

The service, which is becoming part of the authority's adult and community services department, provides advice and information to help people claim benefits and represents claimants at appeals tribunals.

It also operates specialist teams which help some of the most vulnerable people in the community, including those with learning difficulties and children leaving care, to help them claim benefits they are entitled to.

The centralisation will replace four branches, covering Derwentside, Easington, Wear Valley and Teesdale, and Durham City and Chester-le-Street.

The service can be contacted on 0191-370 8787 or www. durham.gov.uk