COXHOE lived out the Big Society idea long before it ever crossed the lips of David Cameron.

John Hepplewhite, a villager for more than 40 years and a member of the community partnership, said: “I think we’ve got a ‘do it yourself community’ – we work together.”

And it may have been that spirit which helped Coxhoe cope when Durham County Council (DCC) was looking at closing the village leisure centre, back in 2011.

Within weeks, newly formed action group Future Leisure in Coxhoe (Flic) had convinced the council to let it take over.

Elsewhere, residents have taken the lead on improving the village hall and other community projects.

It’s a story likely to be repeated across the county in future, as DCC is forced to slim down further.

“The people there are mostly efficient and they’re all very helpful,” says Mick Lavelle, Flic chairman, says of the unitary authority.

“The problem is its size. It’s a big area – and because of the cuts they’ve lost a lot of expertise and knowledge.

“People are keen to help but they can’t necessarily do so. They’re far away and have too much to do.”

Mr Hepplewhite adds: “It’s hard times. Communities aren’t receiving the financial support that they did.

“There’s been a big change in philosophy. Instead of having things provided for us, they now work with us so we can deliver it ourselves.”

But both men are confident Coxhoe will continue to cope, just as it always has done.