AN extra 45 jobs are being created by Axa in Darlington following the launch of a dedicated call centre within their Beaumont Street office to take calls for RAC Insure - the new brand name for RAC motor insurance.

To mark the opening at the centre - which already employs 240 people - an RAC-sponsored Zip racing car paid a visit on staff.

Jeremy Harris, business development director, Axa Insurance, said: "The opening of the new call centre marks a new phase in the relationship between Axa and RAC.

"We have invested a significant amount of money in this project and in doing so have created new jobs in the local area.

"As our RAC Insure business grows we expect to create many more positions, which is great news for Darlington."