RESIDENTS look to have saved a community association from folding.

Sixty-two people turned up to the annual meeting of Newton Hall Community Association, Durham, in answer to a plea for new blood on the committee.

The association's long-serving chairman, secretary and treasurer have resigned, but in the run up to the meeting no one had come forward to take their places.

But replacements and new committee members have been found, and it looks like the association, formed in 1968, will continue.

The meeting was held at Finchale Primary School, because the association's community centre, in Carr House Drive, was badly damaged by an arson attack.

Out-going treasurer Frank Cure said: "There were about 62 people who turned up. It is probably the biggest meeting we have ever had.

"A committee was formed and we got a chairman, treasurer, secretary, assistant treasurer, plus about 20 other people.

"I didn't expect to get that many people and there was quite a lot of enthusiasm among them for having a community association.

"The fire, in a way, helped get so many people in, because there was a possibility of the association closing. The fire will be a nuisance to deal with. It is in the hands of the city council. We don't know how long the work to repair the centre will take, but it should happen. There is a lot of work to be done including getting charity registration.''

The association has 320 members and its centre is used by 100 people a week.

Groups at the centre have had to seek alternative venues.