AN appeal has been launched to give a multi-racial community a new focal point.

The vicar of North Ormesby, the Reverend Graham Usher, is the brains behind the dream, which needs £600,000 to be realised.

"Our church hall has played an important part for 110 years, but it has come to the end of its life," Mr Usher. "We want to have somewhere where we can provide a facility for everyone in the community."

The building he has in mind would act as a community centre, a stage for the performing arts and it would also be used by the local primary health care trust to link in with a "medical village" of five GPs' surgeries, pharmacy and support services being set up in the community, on the edge of central Middlesbrough.

The centre would include a 200-seat main hall and stage, as well as meeting rooms, offices, kitchen, an informal meeting area and direct access to Holy Trinity Church.

Bids are to be made for National Lottery funding, while the Middlesbrough Partnership, through its Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, has pledged £250,000 towards the cost of the project, provided strong support from the local community is demonstrated.

Mr Usher, vicar of Holy Trinity, said: "It is a very important appeal, because we have got to get the money together. We have a strong sense of community at North Ormesby and this is receiving lots of support from within the community who want to see North Ormesby improve."

Mr Usher said the appeal was just getting under way and £30,000 had already been raised. "We would like to see this up and available for people to open in September 2003," he said.

Anyone wishing to help can send donations to the Trinity Centre appeal, Holy Trinity Church, James Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough. TS3 6LD.