AN advice scheme for people facing the possibility of eviction or losing their home has been set up in Darlington.

Free legal advice is now available at Darlington's County Court, which is based in Coniscliffe Road, for anyone attending a possession hearing.

Such a hearing can lead to a court order that forces someone to leave their home - usually because of non-payment of rent or mortgage or a loan secured on a house.

The scheme is a partnership between the Legal Services Commission, HM Courts Service and Darlington Borough Council.

Advice and representation for people attending the court will be provided by Clark Willis Solicitors, Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau and the Darlington Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

The service is available to private, council or housing association tenants, as well as people who have a mortgage or a secured loan.

Experts will provide initial advice to anyone who is facing a possession hearing, talk to landlords and lenders on a tenant's behalf, work out affordable payments, make representation at court hearings and provide follow-up advice after the hearing has finished and a result announced.

Anyone facing a court possession hearing can get the advice by going to the court 45 minutes before their hearing. Organisers said no appointment was necessary and all the advice was free.

Council chiefs have welcomed the development and urged people to make use of the service.

Bill Dixon, Darlington Council's cabinet member for community and public protection, said: "When people are facing a possession hearing it is important they have as much information and advice as possible so the best arrangements can be made.

"If people attend a court possession hearing, they are more likely to keep their home and this service will, hopefully, encourage more people to attend and get the advice they are entitled to."

For more details, call 0845 345 4345.