THE last Waltz has been played and the dance floor is now empty as a community centre closes its doors for the final time.

The Elite Hall in Crook, near Bishop Auckland, has been at the heart of the small town for almost 100 years.

Built by the Royal British Legion after the First World War as a meeting place for British Legion members, the Elite became the hub of the community.

It was a place where generations have danced the night away and went on to meet their future spouses, living long and happy years together.

But in February this year, Wear Valley District Council announced that it could no longer justify keeping the hall open because it was running at a loss of £900 a week.

Council leader Olive Brown said that closing the venue was one of the hardest decisions she has had to make.

She said: "I have tried to keep the hall open for many years but when I saw the figures I knew I couldn't let my heart rule my head.

"My family were connected with that hall for many years and I danced there as a girl and it is a very sad day for me, as it is for many people in Crook.''

Bill Smurthwaite, 79, of Newton Aycliffe, was born and bred in the former mining town and met his wife Clarice at the Elite Hall.

He said: "I have got the Elite Hall to thank for 50 very happy years of marriage.

"My wife and I met at a dance there. Numerous people that I know met their wives there. It is so very sad that this is the end of it all. It used to be used as a magistrates court and council meetings but it has been allowed to wither on the vine.

"There definitely should have been a public meeting and I do question the fact that it was losing £900 a week.''

Doris Winter, 71, of Crook, said: "We are all devastated. We even wrote to Hilary Armstrong and she came back to us with the figures. It is just so sad.'' George and Elizabeth Parkin grew up in the streets around the Elite Hall and have enjoyed many a good night dancing there.

Mr Parkin, 88, said: "It has one of the best dance floors in the North-East. It has always been a nice meeting place everybody is so friendly.''

Mrs Parkin, 86, said: "We don't agree with it closing. It will be missed. It is such a shame.''