A FOOD bank has launched a credit union collection point to encourage residents in a County Durham town to start saving.

The NE First Credit Union opened The Service Point this week at Junction 7, in Silverdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, which already operates an emergency food bank, school uniform project and offers advice and sign-posting.

The team behind Junction 7, supported by County Durham Tees Valley Rescue Mission, has joined forces with the credit union and Livin to operate the collection point every Monday from 10am until 2pm.

The first 50 members who join the credit union in February and save at least £1 per week for ten weeks will have £25 placed in their accounts while the first 50 children who join and save at least 50p per week will have £10 placed in their accounts.

Sid Rooke, director of NE First Credit Union, said “I am delighted to be working in partnership with Junction 7. Together we aim to encourage the savings habit and offer low cost loans. This is a good example of partners working with the local community to deliver something for the local community.”

There is already a collection point at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Thursdays from 10.30am until 11.30am.

For more information visit nefirstcu.co.uk