A REVAMPED community centre in Newton Aycliffe is to be launched with a family fun day.

Silverdale Community House has undergone a huge transformation over recent years.

The centre has been closed since January while the last phase of the work was carried out.

It was mainly funded with £50,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The fun day and Queen's golden jubilee party for children will be held on Saturday, June 1.

The event has been organised by Aycliffe Support in the Kommunity (ASK) chairman Marjorie Minnes and her committee.

The renovated centre will be used for children's activities, a creche and after-school club, and will house an information technology suite. There are also plans for a youth club.

Attractions on the opening day will include a marquee with several events and activities, children's games, highland dancing, singers and other entertainment.

The committee has asked Sedgefield Borough Councillor George Gray to perform the opening ceremony, to recognise the work he has put into the centre.

Coun Gray has been involved with the centre for seven years, from humble beginnings when it was housed in a single building.

The latest addition means four houses have become one building, to provide a facility which it is hoped will become a community focal point.

The house is in the West Ward area of Newton Aycliffe, which is officially recognised as a deprived area.

A master plan is being drawn up, at a cost of £55,000, to produce a framework for improving the area.

Coun Gray said the community house initiative has given the scheme a flying start.

He said: "I'm over the moon with it. It is a massive boost for the community, because with all this regeneration money coming into the ward this is a good stepping stone to keep it all going.

"The committee there are a good committee. They are a working committee and they have helped the West Ward along tremendously, and I intend backing them as long as I am a councillor.