A COMMUNITY has celebrated the reopening of its refurbished church hall.

Based in Gardiner Road, Sunderland, Holy Family church and church hall have been at the centre of the Grindon community for more than 41 years.

Now, thanks to money from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB), more residents will be able to use the improved facilities. These include new toilets, security doors and heating facilities.

The hall was opened by the Very Reverend Canon Bob Spence, the Roman Catholic vicar general, and Councillor David Forbes.

Canon Spence said: "I'm honoured to be opening this refurbished building which is a great asset to the community.

"It's a facility that everyone in the area can use, both young and old alike, and brings the community even closer together in an area where there is already a great sense of community spirit."

Coun Forbes said: "The regeneration programme has brought some exciting projects to this area and this is one of them. It shows just what can be achieved by working in partnership."

The refurbishment cost £12,000, of which £11,000 came from the SRB and £2,000 from St Cuthbert's Care and the Holy Family church.