MEMBERS of a close-knit north Durham community did not wait for hand-outs or specialist help when their community hall fell into disrepair.

Instead, the people of Crookhall, near Delves Lane, rolled up their sleeves and fixed the hall themselves, after securing donations of paint and other equipment.

Members of the community hall committee then went on to hold a "painting weekend" for the public to touch up the 1923 building.

They later helped lay a new floor and are still in the process of tidying up the centre and garden.

Centre secretary Renee Melody said the committee may try and secure grants for future work but were proud that everyone in the area had rallied round.

She said: "We've worked on it ourselves and it's all been good fun. This is a good place for the community and we have all sorts of things going on, from a mother and toddler group, to dance classes, but we do need help to keep it going.

"We did raise a few hundred pounds from events for the work, but it was all through our own efforts."

A millennium party is being held at the centre next Saturday.

Family tickets cost £13 and there will be five-a-side football, children's roundabouts, a buffet and a number of other events. For details and tickets call (01207) 500018.