Bishop Auckland is a historic market town in County Durham, located approximately 12 miles south west of Durham City and 14 miles north west of Darlington with excellent road communications from the A688 and the A68. Bishop Auckland is positioned centrally within the county and serves as a key hub for surrounding rural areas. The town’s population is approximately 25,000, including surrounding areas such as the town centre and nearby suburbs. Bishop Auckland features a mix of age groups, with a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 30 and over compared to the national average. It’s population includes a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds. The town also includes areas of residential development alongside its historic core. Auckland Castle, a medieval palace, is a major landmark, emphasising the town’s long connection to the Bishops of Durham. Bishop Auckland is well connected to nearby towns such as Shildon, Willington and Spennymoor, and larger cities such as Durham and Sunderland.