A NEW magistrates' court is to be given the royal seal of approval.

The Courthouse, at Peterlee, County Durham, which was completed earlier this year is to be officially opened by The Princess Royal on Thursday.

After watching local children perform a mock court session, the Princess will unveil a commemorative plaque.

Bob Whitehouse, chief executive, of the County of Durham Magistrates' Courts, said: "We are delighted that The Princess Royal is able to open our new Courthouse at Peterlee, as she also opened the Magistrates' Court, at Newton Aycliffe, in 1990.

"I am particularly pleased that local schoolchildren will be involved in the day and that Princess Anne will be able to see them learning about citizenship."

Work on the construction of the new courthouse began in June last year, with the building becoming operational in April. It replaces a building which was demolished to make way for town centre redevelopment.