VILLAGERS are celebrating after winning grants totalling more than £10,000 to refurbish their community centre.

The Community Association in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, has won £4,500 from the National Lottery Awards for All programme, backed up with a grant of £6,392 from the County Durham Foundation's Local Network Fund.

The cash will go on a revamp for the community rooms attached to Tanfield Lea Junior School. This includes redecorating, installing a disco system and a stage and buying new furniture.

Kay Hemmings, chairman of the user groups committee, said: "When all the work is completed, it should look brilliant - our own Byker Grove."

Part of the grant will pay for an artist, who will work with youngsters on an art project centred on the theme of community.

Groups taking part include Tanfield Playgroup and Mothers and Toddlers, the Woodcraft Folk, Tanfield Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, the Shikkari Karate Kai Club, the Dyspraxia Club and pupils at the junior school.

The youngsters will make a video of the project as it progresses and will also be taking photographs.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact the centre on (01207) 230213.