THE umbrella organisation for County Durham's smallest councils is being helped to expand.

The Durham Association of Parish and Town Councils provides advice and information on national policy changes to its members.

But only 98 of the 189 councils eligible to join are members.

The association, which earlier this year took up offices at Durham County Council's headquarters, hopes to expand the services it offers and recruit more members.

The county council is backing the effort by allowing it to continue to be based at County Hall and providing administrative and help with most of the office running costs.

It has also offered to meet one third of costs of a full-time, new post, with the association and some of the county's seven district councils.

County council leader Ken Manton said it was important that the association was helped to expand its role.

He said: "Town and parish councils have a very important part to play in local government within County Durham and we recognise their potential for playing an even bigger role in the provision of local services."