THE latest community "pod" about to be installed in Darlington has been welcomed by community leaders.

Firthmoor will play host to the newest addition to the borough council's fleet of community facilities.

It will arrive next week, providing residents with a meeting place and a range of activities. Advice will be on hand from wardens, council housing representatives and youth service workers.

The first pod was introduced in Darlington's Lascelles area last year and was quickly followed by another in North Lodge Park.

The Firthmoor pod, a converted shipping container, will place emphasis on youth services, particularly during next week's half-term holiday.

Darlington Youth Offending and Community Safety Service is the first in the country to develop the idea.

Each pod costs £15,000 to set up, and the scheme is funded through the Government's Safer Communities Initiative and One NorthEast's Community Cohesion Fund.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "The pods are proving hugely successful for Darlington. The new addition will be a boost for the Firthmoor community."