AN advice centre for asylum seekers has officially opened its first North-East branch.

Councillor Patricia Walker, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, was among the guests at the launch of the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) office, in Borough Road, Middlesbrough.

Serving the whole of the Tees Valley, it will offer free legal advice and representation to asylum applicants.

The IAS, set up in 1970, has 14 offices nationwide, as well as one in Bangladesh. Regional manager Rheba Glaz-ier said the office in Middlesbrough was much needed.

"Obviously, the dispersal of asylum seekers is an issue here, and legal services are required," she said.

"We provide legal representation before adjudicators, and if people are refused asylum, they are able to come to us for help in appealing.

"We work with the North of England Refugee Service and the North-East Consortium, and we have already opened about 140 cases in the office."

Ms Glazier said she hopes to expand the Middlesbrough service, which is funded by the Home Office and the Legal Services Commission.

"We have only one case worker, but we are offering posts for two others," she said.

The office can be contacted on (01642) 219222.