A NORTH Durham federation of community volunteers is to close.

Organisers of Chester-le-Street's Volunteers United group have decided to hand over to the district's other volunteer body, the Council for Voluntary Services (CVS).

The CVS was set up by members of Volunteers United and it was decided to pour all their efforts into the newer body.

The CVS, based at the Volunteer Centre, Clarence Terrace, Chester-le-Street, provides a full-time service for community groups needing volunteers. They also recruit volunteers.