A COMMUNITY caf in Darlington is to continue for a second year thanks to a £15,000 donation.

The caf on the Skerne Park estate received the money from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

Skerne Park Community Enterprise Association (CEA) was given the money, to be spread over three years, to pay the salary of two part-time caf co-ordinators.

The association develops and supports community enterprises on Skerne Park and manages the Skerne Park Community Caf.

It was opened in June 1998 to provide low-cost meals and act as a meeting place for residents.

An average of 50 people use the caf each week, including the elderly, families and young people.

Job vacancies are displayed in the caf as part of an employment project to help local people find work or training opportunities.

Caf customers can get help with their curriculum vitae and employment references from the association, in order to enhance their employment prospects.

Ten caf volunteers have followed a training programme covering basic food hygiene.

The funding for the two part-time caf co-ordinators, Mel Jones and Barbara Charney, has enabled the caf to open more frequently, so that more people can use its services.

Barbara and Mel have developed a varied menu and are responsible for co-ordinating caf volunteers.

Dave Appleby, development worker at the association, said: "Skerne Park is predominantly a local authority housing estate with a reputation for crime, drugs and high debt figures.

"Thanks to the generous donation from the Lloyds TSB Foundation, the CEA can take steps to regenerate the community by means of projects such as the community caf.

"We are delighted that the caf has been and is continuing to be a great success with local residents."

Steve Eyre, branch director of Lloyds TSB in Darlington, said: "I was really impressed with the work that the CEA are doing to make the community caf a place that local people are proud of.

"The meals and snacks are affordable and varied, and the caf provides social opportunities for people of all ages.