COMMUNITY groups are celebrating after a local company gave their headquarters a five-figure refurbishment.

Holy Trinity Church Hall, in West Cornforth, has been fitted with new toilets, which include facilities for disabled users.

The work was paid for using an £11,000 grant from The Banks Group, which is based at nearby Thrislington Industrial Estate, via its community fund.

The hall hosts a range of community groups, from Brownies to the Ladies Fellowship, and is used for church social events and hired out for use by other organisations.

Pat Atkinson, treasurer of Holy Trinity Church Parochial Church Council, said: "There are very few community buildings in the area that don't require people to travel, and there is limited public transport, so the church hall is a centre for village activities.

"The toilets were getting old and had limited access. We wanted to upgrade them to help secure the hall's future as a useful asset for people in and around the village.

"The new toilets will make a real difference to the kind of events that we can hold here."

Mark Dowdall, Banks' environment and community director, said: "Strong communities are built around facilities such as the church hall. This venue's importance to the village can not be underestimated.

"We have a strong affinity with all the areas in which we operate, and are pleased to support such a valuable community venue."

Information about the grants scheme is available from Christina Rackley or Melanie Caldwell on 0191-383-0055.