DURHAM'S new credit union is opening its second collection point this week.

From Wednesday, people will be able to join the Durham City and District Credit Union and make deposits at the Pelaw View Community Centre, on the Sherburn Road Estate.

The union, which started in January, already has a collection point at Community House, Holly Park, Ushaw Moor.

It provides savings and low-cost credit for people who save with the union and is particularly aimed at those on low incomes.

Sherburn Road, which has undergone a major facelift in the past few years, is in one of the poorest parts of the Durham district.

People who live or work in the city can join the community-run co-operative, which is overseen by the Financial Services Authority.

The union's chairman, Alan McNamee, said: "It is an important day in our expansion programme and we hope it will mark the start of a really useful and popular service to the people in the area."

The Pelaw View collection point will be open from 11am to noon each Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the union is looking for more volunteers to help with its work. Anyone interested can call Mr McNamee on 0191-386 5678.