CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF LEGAL AID.

A MAJOR exhibition to mark 60 years of legal aid has been held in Newcastle. The exhibition includes poignant stories of how legal aid has helped individuals and groups get justice that they otherwise could not afford. It was launched earlier this year at the House of Commons.

MP Jim Cousins and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Coun Mike Cookson, welcomed the legal aid exhibition to the City Library.

It has been commissioned to raise awareness of legal aid and coincides with a MORI report that shows that only 43% of people in the North East have heard of legal aid.

Deborah Challis, area relationship manager, Legal Services Commission, said: "To mark this important anniversary the Legal Services Commission has produced an exhibition to raise awareness of legal aid, especially as we are concerned that people in the North East know little about legal aid and the legal help they are entitled to."

If you have a legal problem you can call Community Legal Advice on 0845 345-4345. Community Legal Advice is a free and confidential advice service paid for by legal aid.

If you live on a low income or benefits you can get advice about debt, education, housing, benefit and tax credits. You can also download information about legal problems from www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

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OPENING THE DOORS Jim Cousins MP opens an exhibtion at Newcastle City Library to mark 60 years of legal aid.