Northumberland has streamlined its Coroner Service.

Since 2019, the county embarked on a transformative journey from operating with two Senior Coroners to just one.

The North and South Northumberland coroner areas have now formally merged to form the 'Northumberland Coroner Area'.

This merger is in alignment with the national policy established by the Ministry of Justice and supported by the Chief Coroner.

The policy pushes for the merger of smaller coronial areas and replacing acting coroners with full-time equivalents to ensure efficient, consistent service.

Following the making of the Order by the Lord Chancellor, Andrew Hetherington was named as the senior coroner for the newly merged area.

Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for Looking After Our Communities, said: "Times of bereavement are incredibly difficult for families and it’s crucial they have the best possible support.

“The coroner’s service is an important legal function, but also one that can give closure and peace to loved ones.

"By merging the two Northumberland areas, we are ensuring that there is greater collaboration and a consistently high service for bereaved families."

Justice Minister Mike Freer said: "Bereaved families should receive the best possible support when grieving a loved one, so we want to make sure coroner services are delivered to the highest standards."