USERS of a community centre in Stanley are celebrating after it received a grant of £10,000.

St Stephen's Centre on Hollyhill Gardens received the cash from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust's Bridging the Gap scheme.

It means the centre can continue with its wide-ranging programme of activities offering something for all ages.

Carol Roberts of the South Stanley Partnership, which runs the centre, said: "We are totally dependent on fundraising and grants to pay the running costs of the centre, which is getting busier all the time.

"Without the funding from the trust we would have been facing a difficult future, so we are really grateful for their support."

Over 300 members enjoy classes at the centre including seated exercise, weightwise, needlecraft, a social club for people with learning disabilities and courses in computers for beginners, first aid and food hygiene.

There is also a fun factory after school on Fridays, a toddlers group and clog dancing for children.

Ken Greenfield, of the the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: "St Stephen's Centre provides a valuable community facility for local groups, organisations, and individuals.

"The trust and other agencies are working with the management committee to find a long term solution to the issue of running costs, and in the meantime, hope that this grant enables local residents to continue to enjoy the activities and social network to be found at the centre."

For more information about activities at St Stephen's Centre call 01207-299951 or visit www.southstanleypartnership.derwentside.org.uk