TWO organisations working to protect County Durham's environment are coming together to set up a single body concerned with green issues.

The County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership is to be launched at the Rivergreen Centre, in Aykley Heads, Durham City, with an address by MEP Stephen Hughes.

The body, to be led by Durham County Council, is being formed from a merger of the Local Action 21 Partnership and Environment Partnership. It will bring together hundreds of organisations concerned with looking after the environment.

The Local Action 21 Partnership was set up in 1994 and involves about 2,000 organisations and individuals working for a more sustainable County Durham.

County Durham Environment Partnership was set up in 2000 and involves more than 50 organisations.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, cabinet member for transport, sustainability and tourism at Durham County Council, said: "We simply cannot ignore the need to work together to tackle climate change, develop sustainable communities and improve the environment and sustainability.

"By developing the new County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership, we hope to ensure that all organisations, businesses, schools and residents in the county will be able to play their part."