A POPULAR community centre has been given a new look, thanks, in the main, to the efforts of young villagers.

Members of the twice-weekly youth club at Greatham Community Centre, in Hartlepool, worked together and submitted a bid for a youth opportunity grant to Hartlepool Borough Council.

The £20,000 bid was successful and has resulted in a wide range of improvements to the building, including plastering work, new entrance doors and damp-proofing, as well as painting and decorating.

The building dates back to 1834, and belongs to the Hospital of God.

Dorothy Clark, who chairs Greatham Community Association, said: "The management committee is very grateful to the youth club, who were able to secure a substantial grant, which has enabled the council's neighbourhood services department to carry out much-needed repairs, and redecorate the entire building.

"The fresh, bright colour scheme, chosen by the youngsters, has attracted many positive comments.

"We now have a very pleasant centre, which users of every age group can enjoy."

The thriving community centre provides local people with a host of activities, from a playgroup for mothers and toddlers to whist drives and tea dances for older people.

Councillor Geoff Lilley, who represents Greatham on the borough council, praised the youth club members for their efforts.

He said: "Quite often, the youth of today gets bad press, but looking at the way they have worked hard to put in the application, and have seen it right through to completion, just gladdens my heart.

"There is a real sense of community in the whole village, and the centre is exceptionally well used.

"I don't think there is a better community centre anywhere in Hartlepool."

He added: "I am very proud of the people who have put in all the hard work for this project, and I am very proud of the people in the village."

To mark the completion of the project, two of the young people involved - Anthony Powell and Toni Llewellyn - will cut a ribbon at the community centre tomorrow, at 11.30am.