A MEETING to discuss controversial changes to the ambulance service in rural areas of Wear Valley and Teesdale takes place tonight.

The Wear Valley and Teesdale Community Networks have organised the meeting between residents and Mark Cotton, head of communications and public involvement for the North-East Ambulance Service.

Up for discussion will be plans to replace the stations at Barnard Castle, Middleton- in-Teesdale and St John's Chapel with paramedics.

Ambulance officials claim the new service would improve overnight emergency cover for rural areas, but local councillors believe that it will lessen the quality of the service.

The ambulance service will discuss possible options and invite members of the public to make their voices heard.

David Craggs, of the Wear Valley Community Network, said: "This is a huge opportunity for people to have a direct involvement in the development of their ambulance service within their own community."

The discussion will be held at the Manor House in West Auckland between 6pm and 9pm, and is open to everyone.