A BAR and nightclub has received approval to extend opening hours by one hour.

Chaplains, on Front Street, Consett, is now permitted to serve alcohol until 4am and close at 4.30am on Fridays, Saturdays, Bank Holiday Sundays and Boxing Day.

Police had expressed concerns over whether transport facilities were in place to get people out of the town centre.

At a licensing hearing at Durham County Hall , owner Frank Kearney was granted the extended license subject to two conditions.

They were that he implement a taxi marshalling scheme and assures that a personal licence holder will be on the premises at all times, at the request of local police.

Matt Foster, head of licensing at Mincoffs Solicitors, who advised Mr Kearney, assured the committee that Chaplains will continue to work closely with the police.