A DILAPIDATED building is being revitalised for the community by volunteers.

Greenfield Meeting Hall, in Newton Aycliffe, was built in 1976 but has fallen into disrepair and is under-used.

Now the building is being renovated with the help of the youth offending team, and several services are being offered or planned.

A counselling service will reach out to people suffering from depression, and victims of domestic violence and other traumas.

There are plans to accommodate a mental health worker and services for mothers with young children, including a toddlers' group and childcare lessons. There is also a sensory room.

A Neighbourhood Watch group has started meeting at the centre, and there are tae kwondo classes, dance and aerobics groups, with more planned.

Artist Brian Swain is hoping to involve the community in craftwork activities.

He will be running an arts and crafts table-top sale on Saturday, November 2. Space can be booked by telephoning him on (01325) 257223 or 07890 405691.

Deborah Robson, one of the driving forces behind the scheme, said there will be a strong input from church organisations, adding: "We want to reach out to the people around the area."

Local councillor Vince Crosby said interest in the hall had snowballed, but more funding was required to help run activities, buy equipment and repair the building.

He said: "An architect is coming out to look at the building and do a full structural survey. The roof needs doing and we will be looking at insulation and energy efficiency, but it all needs financing and we are hoping local companies will help us."

For information about the services on offer, or to help with funding, contact Deborah Robson on (01325) 320953, Sue Young on 307362 or Coun Crosby on 315083.