A FLAGSHIP community centre has reopened following a refurbishment scheme.

Park View Community Association, based on the site of Park View School, in Chester-le-Street, boasts new sports and leisure facilities as well as a theatre, following a £200,000 revamp.

The community association was ahead of its time when it opened in the early 1980s, before schools were encouraged by the Government to provide facilities which could be used by the community.

It was set up after Chester-le-Street District and Durham County Councils and the Sports Council decided there were not enough facilities for residents in the area and began investing in the comprehensive school.

Now, after months of renovation and modernising, using cash from Durham County Council, the community association and Government grants, the centre has reopened.

A synthetic outdoor sports pitch has been installed, the gym has been fitted with a new heating system and roof and the sports hall has been given a new roof, lighting, heating and flooring.

The theatre has been completely rewired and lighting and tiered seating has been installed.

New indoor bowling facilities have also been added.

The manager of the community association, Carl Belshaw, said: "At the time of its launch, the community centre was a forward-looking initiative and it's now turned into one of the biggest facilities in the region - probably in the country."

About 20,000 people a year pass through the doors, while the community association has 2,500 members, ranging from children to the elderly.

This season, the theatre alone will be used for productions by at least three amateur drama groups, a carol concert by Park View Community Theatre, a dance display and a flower arranging demonstration.

Mr Belshaw said: "The usage has increased, there's no doubt about it.''