A NEW centre offering information to visitors and advice for residents was launched in Peterlee this weekend.

The town's deputy mayor, Councillor Ron Curtis, officially opened the Peterlee Information Centre in Upper Yoden Way on Saturday.

It will act as a tourist information office with free Internet access, and a contact point for a range of agencies, including the Pensions Service, Easington Primary Care Trust's Patients' Forum, and the Aim Higher Project.

John Arthur, Peterlee Town Council clerk, said that the town council hoped to provide an improved and wide-ranging information service.