THE first of four community centre makeovers has been completed.

Cestria Community Housing has spent £60,000 refurbishing the Holyoake Community Centre, South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street.

Last year, the housing body took over the entire housing stock of the former Chester-le-Street District Council.

It is the first centre acquired by the association to be upgraded in a scheme that will see a total of £350,000 spent.

Centres at Auckland and Gibside, both in Chester-le-Street, and Edenfield,at West Pelton, are also set to be refurbished in the near future.

Holyoake, which serves an area of old people's bungalows at The Close, was closed for four months while the work was carried out.

It was officially re-opened this afternoon by association chairman Paul Tinnion.

It has been given a new kitchen, storage cupboards have been created for user groups, new windows and heating installed, patio doors, new toilets, and a small meeting room and room that could be used for things such as chiropody have been created.

Mr Tinnion said: "This is the first centre we have refurbished and it looks stunning. When we first took over the centres they were in a real state and not fit for purpose.

"This is the first of several refurbishment schemes which will benefit communities across Chester-le-Street. This investment is part of our wider commitment to transforming not just homes but the local communities people live in.''

The centre is used by several groups including a toddler group, a gentle exercise for the elderly class, and weekly tea dance.