A HERITAGE centre is looking for a model to help bring its latest exhibit to life.

Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre opened in September last year in the village's redundant chapel of rest.

It developed out of an idea instigated by villagers, who wanted to preserve the history of the former mining area.

Local people donated artefacts and the community's school pupils created models of mining cottages and a mural depicting the life of a Durham coal mining family.

The centre's latest addition is a full-sized fireplace created by resident Alan Biddick, but now it needs help help obtaining a mannequin to place in front of it.

Ray Jackson, one of the centre's volunteers, said their present models looked a bit wooden.

He said: "We need a mannequin model sitting in front of the fire on a stool, toasting a slice of bread, but we're talking about £1,100 to buy one.

"All our other mannequins here we've made out of spare parts.

"Their legs are all made of two-by-two underneath their dresses, so we wanted something a bit more upmarket."

Volunteers are also working on a project to match up photographs they have of the village from the 1800s with present-day video footage of the scenes.

They are also applying for grants to expand the centre's exhibitions.

The centre is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and noon and from 2pm to 4pm. To contact it, telephone (01429) 824402.