A LONG-ESTABLISHED arts group is facing an uncertain future as it continues its search for a permanent home.

Darlington Society of Arts was formed in 1922 and for most of its time used the town's art gallery.

But the closure of the facility in 2001 left the group homeless, forcing it to take up temporary space in the old rates room at Darlington Town Hall.

At present, it uses the club room and foyer at the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace.

However, society secretary Gina Morton said: "The club room has poor lighting and is next to the bar. We share it with other groups and can only open on one morning a week, so we are very restricted.

"We are grateful for what we do have, but it is poor that Darlington does not have anywhere for our type of art.

"We need to find somewhere in central Darlington where we can exhibit and there is no easy solution."

The group's numbers have declined in recent years, but the borough council says it is doing all it can to help the artists.

A spokesman said: "Our visual arts officer has met the group and has tried to give them every assistance.

"Last year, they held their exhibition in the club room, but this year we have given them extra space - the club room and the foyer - as there are 200 pieces of work."

The authority is also exploring the possibility of finding new exhibition space in the town.