A CHARITY for disabled people has appointed a campaign officer to help its fight to make Teesdale accessible for all people.

The Teesdale Disability Access Forum's campaign officer, Anne Henderson, will work to raise the profile of the organisation and encourage social inclusion in the dale.

The forum, which was founded eight years ago, has also found funding for permanent headquarters, and is now looking for suitable premises.

In the past the forum has campaigned to have dropped kerbs installed in towns and villages throughout Teesdale.

It has also accessed European Single Regeneration Budget funding to give grants to businesses in Evenwood and Cockfield wanting to install disabled access.

New disabled access laws come into force in October and Ms Henderson intends to work with other organisations to ensure that Teesdale is prepared for the changes.

She will also provide advice for disabled people and training days for employers and other interested parties.