A CHURCH hall in Consett is to reopen today after an £80,000 refurbishment.

Bishop Kevin Dunn, the Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, will celebrate Mass at St Patrick's RC Church, in Victoria Road, at 6.30pm.

Afterwards, he will join parish priest Father Jeff Dodds, and former priests of St Patrick's, and parishioners for a three-course meal and entertainment in the hall.

Father Dodds said: "The contractors have been tremendous, and have volunteered us significant discounts. We set very high standards and they have risen to it.

"We are very happy with everything that's been done."

St Patrick's hall was built in 1926, and originally served as the Catholic parish church in Consett, until the current church was opened in the Fifties.

Following three community surveys, the hall has been undergoing a complete refurbishment over the past three years to improve the facilities on offer.

Grants from the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, waste management company SITA and the Sir James Knott Trust, a social regeneration grant, and large donations from local councillors and parishioners, have paid for the work.

The hall has been re-wired and re-decorated, a modern kitchen has been installed, and the lounge, meeting rooms and stage areas have been refurbished.

It also boasts a new sound system, lighting, and furnishings.

Father Dodds said: "We are very lucky that so many groups use the hall and all its facilities, from toddlers to the youth club to pensioners. You hear of community facilities closing down all the time, but we are in the lovely position of doing well."

The next phase of the work will concentrate on flexible facilities to meet the needs of both able-bodied and disabled people. These will include a youth club, with music practice facilities, and catering equipment.

The old cloakrooms will be converted into a seminar room and open access language and learning suite.

There will be more toilets, with nappy changing facilities, and a new entrance, with a corridor for art exhibitions.

Tickets for the event tonight cost £17.50, and include a three-course dinner and musical entertainment by Looking Back. They are available by calling 01207-501035.