VILLAGERS who stepped in to save their community centre are celebrating their fresh start with a Christmas event tomorrow.

Until new volunteers came forward, the future looked bleak for the centre, which opened nearly 40 years ago in Toronto, near Bishop Auckland, in an empty school.

The new team responded to a "use it or lose it" ultimatum from a small committee who said they could not carry on without more support.

A family coffee afternoon tomorrow is the first of a new programme of events which could secure the centre's future.

One obstacle will be possible funding cuts because of new grant arrangements proposed for village halls and community buildings.

Former chairwoman Norah Davidson said: "It will be difficult, but it is encouraging that a few people have offered to help. We are carrying on for now and we will have to review the situation next year."

Tomorrow's event is from 3pm to 5pm. Father Christmas will be visiting. Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children.