Expert advice on issues ranging from health and housing to employment opportunities and dealing with debt will be available at a series of free events, including one in Bishop Auckland.

Aimed at people living in County Durham, the County Durham Advice Day will take place from 10am until 3pm at Auckland Youth and Community Centre, Walker Drive, Woodhouse Close on Friday, 20th October.

The drop-in, which will also cover topics such as benefits, fuel poverty and universal credit, will provide an opportunity for participating organisations to offer advice and information in a single location.

The initiative has been developed by Durham County Council and Advice in County Durham; housing providers Karbon Homes, livin and County Durham Housing Group; as well as Monkey – a partnership of housing and voluntary sector organisations in the county.

In addition to the drop-in sessions, residents can also make appointments in advance with the organisations involved.

Representatives from NEFirst and Prince Bishops Community Bank credit unions will be attending all six of the sessions and offering an incentive for new savers.

The first ten adults who open an account at each advice day will receive a £25 bonus if they save a minimum of £1 per week for twelve consecutive weeks.