YOUNG witnesses are to be spared the ordeal of appearing in court in a project that could be extended to include adults.

A newly-opened video suite in Durham will remove the need for youngsters to endure the potentially intimidating atmosphere of the courtroom.

The suite, which has been created in the nearby Witness Service and Victim Support building, features two rooms equipped with a video camera and television monitor capable of transmitting and receiving images via an ISDN telephone line directly into criminal courts.

Matching video equipment in Durham Crown Court is linked to every crown court complex and some magistrates' courts.

It is possible for a vulnerable witness to give evidence not just in cases in Durham, but to any jury in the country.

Victim Support area manager Trudi Ranson said: "As far as we know, there has never been a facility like this."

Applications to allow witnesses to give evidence from the video suite are made to judges by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Witness liaison staff in the centre have undergone training to help those giving evidence.

Durham Crown Court resident judge Richard Lowden, who opened the suite, said: "I'm delighted it has at last been possible to make use of modern facilities in such an historic building as Durham Crown Court, which has otherwise changed little since it was built in 1811."

Inspector Steve Glass, of Durham Police's community justice department, believes the new system has "enormous potential" throughout the judicial process