RESIDENTS and council staff have celebrated a community office's first anniversary.

The office in Dundas Street, Richmond, was opened a year ago by Richmondshire District Council to provide a point of contact for the public when its headquarters move from the town.

A party was held at the office this week to mark the event. Activities included an exhibition of children's art and music from Richmond School flute choir.

A plaque was unveiled by the office's first customer, Elizabeth Slavin.

Community office manager Carole Dew said: "It's been a fantastic year that has seen the council and its partners provide a service to 47,000 residents.

"We have provided services that we were never in a position to before when we were spread over four different locations.

"The community office in Dundas Street is now the single point of contact.

"Many months of staff training means the office team provides 80 per cent of services at the first point of contact."

The office deals with rent, council tax and other Richmondshire District Council services.