A NORTH-EAST property and mining firm has provided funding for new audio and visiual equipment at a community facility.

The Banks Group, based in Meadowfield, Durham City has made a 2,199 grant, via its community fund, for the new equipment at Bishopton Village Hall.

The facility is used by around 350 people who live in the village and across the surrounding countryside, and hosts a wide range of events and organisations, from the Womens' Institute, Rainbows, Brownies and a Whist group through to Keep Fit and Zumba classes.

Geoffrey Baines, chairman of Bishopton Village Hall Association, said: "This village hall has been in use here for 50 years and it's a vital place for the local community to come together.

"We receive no state funding so grants like those given by The Banks Group are vital to our future."

Banks is behind the development of the Bowesfield site on the banks of the River Tees in Stockton, which incorporates an integrated 15-hectare wildlife conservation area that is open to the public alongside residential and commercial development.

Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at the Banks Group, says: "Banks' policy is to deliver tangible local community and environmental benefits along with our development projects.

"We're very pleased to help Bishopton Village Hall Association continue their excellent work."