A CHARITY has handed Durham's independent advice service a funding lifeline.

The future of Durham Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) had been in doubt unless it secured more funding to meet rising accommodation costs following its move to new premises in the Durham City Council-owned Millennium Place.

But Christ's Hospital in Sherburn, which runs an old people's home and gives money to good causes, has given the CAB a £15,000 grant.

The bureau's manager Colin Thompson said: "This grant is a real lifesaver for the bureau.

"The bureau would have either closed, or drastically reduced the service its offers, within the next year. This grant will allow us to continue the improvements we have made in the service since we moved to Millennium Place.

"It will also allow us time to work with other funders to create financial stability, ensuring the future of the bureau.''

Mr Thompson added that the grant was specifically for accommodation costs.

The bureau was previously based at Ruth First House, Durham City Council's former planning offices further up Claypath, but had to move when the building was sold by the council.

The CAB provides free, independent advice on issues ranging from consumer problems to benefit wrangles and legal disputes.

Last year it helped almost 10,000 people, many of whom would have been unable to afford to see a solicitor.

The bureau, which operates with a large number of volunteers, has received funding from Christ's Hospital before but the bulk of its money comes in an annual grant from Durham City Council.

It is the biggest single recipient of council aid.

The bureau's recent annual meeting was told that its trustees were concerned that it was running up a deficit that could grow and would have to be met from limited reserves unless more financial support could be found.