A FORMER colliery village celebrated the reopening of its old miners' welfare hall as a refurbished community centre at the weekend.

Dedicated volunteers have been working since April 2002 to revamp the disused hall, in Trimdon Station, after 22 years of neglect.

More than £200,000 has been spent transforming the building and making the new Trimdon Station Community Centre accessible to disabled visitors.

Jim Grigg, chairman of the Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership, said: "At one point we thought we'd have to lock it up and forget about it, it seemed like too big a job.

"But about 30 committee members and other supporters persevered and started to raise the money needed, largely from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

"It is wonderful now and will be an important part of the community, giving them better facilities and a place for activities and groups to meet.

"We have funds for a centre co-ordinator, Sean Wainwright, for six months and hope to extend that."

Easington District Councillor for the Deaf Hill ward, Joan Freak, congratulated volunteers when she officially opened the centre on Saturday.

Among the developments are a library, with 3,000 books donated by local people, and an information technology suite, which will host courses run by East Durham and Houghall Community College, the Learning and Skills Council and Aim High.

The main hall, dance floor, stage and changing rooms have been refurbished and a kitchen and bar have been installed.

There are sound-proofed rooms that can be used for music, one is already occupied by Trimdon Concert Brass Band. The building will be surrounded by security fencing and is covered by a closed circuit television.

The benefits of the revamp are already being noticed in the village as Durham County Council has re-surfaced outside, added a car park and street furniture to coincide with the scheme.

Community leaders now hope residents will make use of the venue.

Further developments are planned, including a games alley and "youth pod", and the area's mining heritage is remembered with displays.

To volunteer at the centre, make a donation or for details call (01429) 882200.