A RURAL community can now speak to their local bobby face-to-face on a regular basis, thanks to a mobile police station.

Residents in Gainford, Teesdale, can inform police officers of any concerns or problems on a monthly basis without having to travel to police stations in neighbouring towns such as Barnard Castle and Darlington.

Durham Constabulary's community safety department will use a mobile police van to visit the village to give residents the chance to speak to a police officer face-to-face.

The van already visits other villages in Teesdale, such as Winston, Ovington, Langdon Beck and Whorlton, and it has been widely praised by residents.

PC Tom Naden, who has already visited Gainford to let residents know about the initiative, said any comments would be welcomed.

He said: "Hopefully, people will come along for advice, reassurance or to pass on information, for which we shall be grateful."

The mobile unit can also be contacted at Bishop Auckland Police Station on (01388) 603566.

Dates for the van's visits will be published in the village's parish newsletter, and the next visit will be held on December 15.