DURHAM City's MP Roberta Blackman-Woods yesterday officially opened a refurbished branch of Barclays Bank in the city's Market Place.

The branch's large banking hall has been reorganised to allow those in wheelchairs or with pushchairs to move around more freely.

There is also improved access for the disabled and a revamped frontage to the building.

A passenger lift now leads customers through power-assisted doors into the branch.

The refurbishment work has included improved lighting, a low level till, clearer signage and a hearing induction loop at every till, customer service desks and interview rooms.

Barclays has also increased the number of tills and introduced a Bureau de Change.

Ms Blackman-Woods said: "I am delighted that all customers now have easier access to banking services in Durham."

Branch manager Joan Brown said: "We want to offer our disabled customers more choice and control when it comes to banking."