A Darlington community café has installed new equipment to help with increasing numbers of customers after a four-figure grant.

The King's Café, located within the King's Church on Prospect Place, welcomes about 500 people each week.

It has seen a substantial rise in visitors coming for a healthy meal and support from the church's volunteer team.

This will enable more meals and drinks to be prepared quickly.

Helen Gannaway, fundraiser at the King's Church, said: "Our café is really well used by all sorts of different people and it's much more than just somewhere you can get a coffee.

"Our visitors know that there's always someone here to talk to, whether they're simply wanting to have a chat or are looking for any personal or practical advice, and we try to provide the most social experience we can for everyone who comes through our doors.

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"Our equipment has served us well, but it's been increasingly showing its age for some time, and with more and more people coming into the café, we've been struggling to keep up with demand.

"With energy bills rising and lots of other costs to cover, it would have been a real challenge for us to make these purchases without the Banks Group's support and we're absolutely thrilled with the impact that the new equipment has had on how quickly we can get food and drinks to our visitors."

Much of the café's equipment had been in use for many years, making it increasingly difficult for staff to meet customer demand.

This was made worse when their countertop fryer broke down completely.

A £1,996 grant from North East employer, the Banks Group, has allowed the church to buy a new countertop fryer and an industrial-sized microwave oven.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: "The work done by the King's Café team really helps to bring and bind the community together, and gives local people support, advice and company whenever they need it.

"It's such a warm and welcoming place for everyone to spend some time, and we're very pleased to be able to help support their excellent work."