A COMMUNITY has opened its doors to a new future.
For 23 years, a 50-year-old former Boys' Brigade hut was home to Marton playgroup, a women's institute, fitness classes and Middlesbrough Chess Club.
It has taken almost two years to get the money together for a new centre.
In February this year the old hut was pulled down, before it fell down, and a purpose-built replacement was officially opened this week.
Residents raised more than £200,000 towards the cost of the project, Middlesbrough Council put up £100,000, while the National Lotteries Charities Board contributed £92,000.
Ann Lesley Rigg, secretary of the voluntary management committee, said: "It's been a long haul but looking at the new centre we all feel it will improve facilities for all residents. The more people who use it the better.''
Committee chairman Councillor Tom Mawston said: "It's a tribute to the hard work of local people that we have a new centre.
"I'd like to thank Middlesbrough Council and the National Lotteries Charities for their generous grants."
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