THE future of a community centre which was forced to close is looking brighter.

Brotton Community Centre, in Laburnum Road, Brotton, shut when only two committee members and no members of the public turned up to the annual meeting.

More than 60 people protested against the closure of the centre which is used during the day and on evenings for events including dog training and bingo.

Following a meeting organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which leases the centre, ten volunteers have offered to serve on a new management committee.

Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "There was a positive response from the public and we have had a constructive and productive meeting.

"Now we are arranging for another meeting with council officers and the new committee, which includes Brotton's three ward councillors, Val Miller, Brian Hogg and Kay Walker, as soon as possible to establish the committee's remit and set up procedures to allow the hall to reopen."