A service for people affected by adoption is being introduced to Teesside following the success of a scheme in Darlington.

The service in Hartlepool, run by Durham Family Welfare, offers help and support to those trying to trace their birth parents or babies given away for adoption.

"It requires great courage in many instances just to make an initial phone call asking for help in locating old adoption records," said Catriona Morris, from Durham Family Welfare.

"The drop-in centre will eliminate some of the stress. We hope to provide a friendly environment where people can come to talk confidentially, seek advice about the various stages of a search and meet others going through a similar experience."

She said the drop-in centre which opened in Darlington 18 months ago had led to two family reunions.

"We have not had huge numbers through the door but it has been successful and we hope to repeat that in Hartlepool."

The service is available at Grange Road Methodist Church Resource Centre, in Hartlepool on the second Thursday of every month between 1pm and 4pm.