DURHAM Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has left its home of five years in the city's Millennium Place.

The bureau, which provides free advice and help to thousands of people each year, is moving a few hundred yards to the former offices in Claypath of the Darlington and County Durham Racial Equality Council, which moved to Redhills.

The bureau moved alongside the Clayport Library from former Durham City Council planning department offices, at Ruth First House, Claypath, in 2001.

The Millennium development originally envisaged community organisations being based there along with the city's Gala Theatre, the library and tourist information centre.

But the city's volunteer organisation moved out some time ago.

CAB manager Colin Thompson said: "It's finance really. The cost of the offices in Millennium Place was a headache, because it cost us £11,500 a year in rent and service charges.

"The city council kindly offered us the premises in Claypath rent free, so we will save about £8,500.

"The council has done a lot of work on the building for us and it is looking very nice."

The bureau will open in its new offices, 32 Claypath, at 10am on Thursday.

To arrange an appointment call 0191-383-2885.