A VALUABLE rural support service has been able to expand its premises thanks to a local resident's patience in selling a house.

The Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service (Utass), based in Horsemarket, Middleton-in-Teesdale, is now in the process of renovating the cottage next door.

The cottage was owned by local resident Kathleen Teward, and had belonged to her brother-in-law and his wife.

Mrs Teward refused to sell the cottage until she was sure that Utass would be able to use it.

It has now been sold to a local benefactor who is leasing it to Utass.

Mrs Teward said: "It took nearly a year and I had a few offers to buy it, but I wanted Utass to have it. I'm a farmer's daughter and you hear of the good work they do. They are a great asset to the village and this house is ideal for them.

"It is especially good for the young people as they have not got anywhere to go at the moment."

Utass offers advice and support for hundreds of farming families in the Teesdale area.

The new premises will provide a drop-in centre with television and Internet access for the village's Three Lions Youth Group. There will also be extra office space, and meeting and training rooms.

Funding for the renovations has been provided by the Market Towns Initiative's Rural Development Programme, the Countryside Agency and the Government office in the North- East.

Utass chairman Grace Hall, said: "About a year ago we realised we needed larger premises. This is a wonderful building and now we can extend our services."