WEEKLY advice sessions in villages are coming to an end because the funding has run out.

For three years Durham Citizens' Advice Bureau has been running outreach sessions in halls and community centres in villages such as Bearpark, Brandon, Kelloe, Quarrington Hill, Ushaw Moor, Bowburn and Sherburn Hill.

But the funding, from the city's Single Regeneration Budget was for a fixed period only, and the bureau cannot find an alternative source. The service will cease at the end of the month.

Colin Thompson, manager of the bureau, which is based in Millennium Place, Claypath, said: "Nobody in Durham is more than 25 minutes drive from the centre, if the bus comes. But some people, because of their age or because they are lone parents with small children, can't travel and for this reason it has been a great service.

"It has been better used in some places than others and we have dealt with a wide range of inquiries. It has been well used by older members of the community and it has been able to secure benefits for people who have come to us."

The bureau, which is having to concentrate its stretched finances on its core services, has tried to find other sources of money to keep the outreach service going.

But Mr Thompson said: "Unfortunately we can't identify any alternative funder for it. One or two parish councils have said they are considering giving funding but others can't afford it. Because of our finances we can't afford to pick it up ourselves.''

The last sessions will be: Brandon, New Brancepeth and West Rainton, Thursday, March 25; Ludworth, Kelloe, Bearpark and Brandon, Monday, March 29; Bowburn, Sherburn Hill and Esh Winning, Tuesday, March 30; Ushaw Moor, Quarrington Hill and Cassop, Wednesday, March 31.

After these dates people should call (0191) 3832885 for an appointment at the main bureau.