A BUILDING which will provide a joint home for two neighbouring councils' printing services has officially opened.

Inprint, a partnership between Durham City Council and Derwentside District Council, is based on Hownsgill Industrial Park, in Consett.

Councillor Fraser Reynolds and Councillor Alex Watson, leaders of the respective councils, performed the official opening ceremony of the joint enterprise on Wednesday.

Both councils believe the venture, which has been financed by the North East Centre for Excellence, as well as the two authorities, will save each authority up to £100,000 a year.

Coun Reynolds said: "It made good business sense for us to get together to spearhead joint working in what is believed to be the first strategic print partnership of its kind in the country. This is a good move for both of us."

Coun Watson added: "Managing our resources in a co-ordinated way means we can focus on improvements for both councils."