A COMMUNITY centre that is experiencing a new lease of life needs urgent funds to replace the floor.

The Neville Community Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, formerly the Over-60s Club, has been transformed since it was taken over by the Friends of Senior Citizens charity.

The group wants to replace the floor in the main hall, but recent work to replace boilers has depleted its resources.

Chairman Peter Beaty said: "The tiles on the floor have been there for 32 years and, as a consequence, are starting to crumble to the extent where they are becoming unsafe."

Mr Beaty estimates it will cost about £3,500 to replace the tiles, and up to £14,000 to lay a wooden floor.

He is hoping to attract a sponsor to pay for the project.

The centre is used by people aged from five to 90.

It has undergone several improvements since it was taken over almost a year ago.

Mr Beaty said: "When we were asked if we would take it over I was very reluctant, because it was a 32-year-old building which had not had a penny spent on it in that time.

"It had a flat roof raining in in 20 places, the gents' toilet roof had caved in and it was in a deplorable state."

Work done by the group has included refurbishing the lavatories, creating a coffee lounge and replacing the kitchen.

To sponsor the floor contact Mr Beaty on (01325) 313924.