Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster has attended court to raise the profile of a service for witnesses and victims of crime.
He met the team of staff and volunteers who run Victim Support Wear Valley and Teesdale at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.
The visit was to give Mr Foster a clearer insight into how the charitable scheme helps about 1,400 victims in the area cope with the effects of crime each year.
The visit on Friday was part of a Government campaign to raise public awareness of the service.
Branch manager Charles Chatterton said: "My team of two staff and six volunteers work very hard to provide an excellent service to help Mr Foster's constituents and I was delighted he accepted the invitation to find out more about our work."
Mr Foster said: "The team is doing an excellent job supporting people effected by crime. I would encourage anyone who finds themselves a victim or witness of crime to contact them for invaluable assistance and help with problems."
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