A GREEN heating system developed by a County Durham company was an integral part of the makeover of a historic village facility.

The Wilson Centre in Long Newton, Stockton, which reopened last month underwent a transformation following a £266,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

But apart from the visible improvements including WiFi screens, audio visual equipment, a new kitchen and a new car park, the heating system has also been made environmentally friendly.

Green energy company Revolution Power, based in Newton Aycliffe, has installed an ecofriendly ground source heating system in the facility.

Ground source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in facilities looking to keep energy bills down, such as community centres.

A ground source heat pump working to its maximum efficiency can produce 4.5 kilowatts of heat for every one kilowatt of electrical energy the unit consumes.

Revolution Power, which provides renewable energy sources for domestic, commercial, community, education and agricultural projects, also played a significant role in the funding application for the project.

Revolution Power director Wayne Richardson said: “It was a pleasure to work with everyone involved in The Wilson Centre refurbishment, particularly the vice-chairman, John Rosser and his wife, Nora, who showed incredible passion and enthusiasm for the project.

“The revolutionary ground source heating system will not only benefit the environment but will help The Wilson Centre cut down on energy bills and maintenance costs of running the facility which offers such a vital link between the community and its people.”

The centre was built in 1886 with money given by the village rector.

Mr Rosser said: “Wayne and his team have not only carried out a fantastic job on the centre, but played an important role in the funding application, without which the centre wouldn’t have been refurbished.

“Everyone in the local community is very grateful and we were very proud to re-open our doors.”

The six-month project was managed by Malcolm Cundick of Alpha Plus Architects, with A&B Joinery also playing a major part in the project.