A TOWN centre church is to close later this year because the £200,000 needed for its transformation cannot be justified.

SpennymoorSalvation Army will close in the autumn after 126 years because itsbase in Dundas Street is in need of major refurbishment to meet new health and safety standards.

A congregation of less than 20 were devastated when they found out about the closure plans from Salvation Army officials two weeks ago.

Members bade farewell to their leader, Captain Pauline Ingram, at her last service at the church at the weekend.

She was appointed just a year ago to run corps at Spennymoor and West Cornforth and will continue to work at West Cornforth.

Captain Ingram said: "The building would need an awful lot of work to meet new health and safety and equality guidelines as it is an old, traditional building which does not easily allow disabled access or facilities. It also needs further refurbishment.

Corps treasurer and pianist David Ward said: "As there are no suitable bus services running on a Sunday to the nearest corps, West Cornforth or Shildon, we hope to find a base in Spennymoor where we can establish a group to keep the congregation together even after the building has gone."