DARLINGTON MP Alan Milburn experienced life as a handyman when he visited the Firthmoor estate in the town.

Mr Milburn was guest of Face, an independent company that promotes the regeneration of the estate and is based in a terraced house next to the community centre.

Earlier this year, Face set up a handyman service for people on low incomes and engaged Eric Johnson and John Green to do jobs ranging from gardening to hanging doors.

Face community enterprise officer Mark Fabb said: "The service is getting plenty of jobs every day and we are seeking to expand the scheme.

"Mr Milburn said he wanted to find out more about it and spend some time with a handyman which is why we organised the visit."

The service can be contacted on (01325) 240188.