A historic building on Hartlepool's Headland has opened to the community again after renovation work.

The Horsley Building, which is opposite Northgate shops, has been able to continue hosting a range of activities for local people thanks to a £31,000 package of repairs to tackle its leaking roof and fit central heating and insulation.

Tea dances, adult education and children's dance classes are some of the events taking place at the building, which dates from 1839.

The money for the repairs has come from the North Hartlepool Partnership, which is using money from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget to help revitalise North Hartlepool and the Headland.

The building will be a focal point for many events on the Headland, while the nearby Borough Buildings are restored and developed over the next few years as a centre for community activities.

Built originally as the Northgate Methodist Church, the three-storey Horsley building has had several uses, including being used as auction rooms, before more recently becoming a venue for activities for local people.

A group called the Friends of the Horsley has been set up to raise funds for additional restoration work.

For more information contact Gary Phillips on (01429) 294867.