Durham

Durham is situated in the North East of England, within the Counthy Durham local government district. While most of the county is rural, there are 12 major areas of population (over 5,000) together with over 300 smaller towns and villages. Close to 500,000 people live in Durham County and there are 219,000 households. 25 % of working people are employed in manufacturing in County Durham, 67% are employed in the service sector and around one third of the population live in areas which are judged amongst the 20% most deprived in the UK. Durham City has an iconic regional asset and a jewel in North East England's crown, attracting many visitors to marvel at the setting and majesty of the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, and the City's rich history and architecture. The City is also home of the country's leading universities, attracting some of the brightest students from the UK and other countries. A new unitary council, Durham County Council, came into being on 1st April 2009 with the merger of Durham County Council and the district councils of Chester-le Street, Derwentside, Durham City, Easington, Sedgefield borough, Teesdale and Wear Valley.