A PARISH council hopes to continue the regeneration of its village by refurbishing a run-down cemetery.

West Auckland Parish Council also plans to build a community centre for local youths, and recently work took place to install new benches in the village.

The cemetery, on the outskirts of the village, has become untidy in recent years, but the council now hopes to clean up the site.

Changes will include new water pipes and work on the surrounding road to make the cemetery more accessible and visually appealing, while other improvements are also likely in the future.

Councillor Andy Turner, from the council, explained that the plans were still in their infancy but were part of a long-term scheme to boost the village.

He said: "The parish council hopes to start work on the cemetery in the next few months.

"It is just a good refurbishment planned, which will keep going, but we don't know how much it is going to cost yet."

He added that the plans would be discussed further at the next meeting of the parish council later this month, as would proposals for a community centre.

The village has been plagued by an increase in vandalism over the past couple of years, and it is hoped that the centre will give local youngsters somewhere to go and help reduce the problems.

Coun Turner said: "We are always trying to find ways to help build the community. We're looking to regenerate West Auckland."

Other initiatives to improve the village's image have included a Christmas tree on East Green, and festive lights.

This year the council have also again organised a competition for the best Christmas decorations in the village.

Judging will take place on Wednesday, December 21 for the house and business in the village with the most impressive Christmas lights.

The categories are best large decorated house and best small decorated house, the winner of each receiving £50, and best commercial premises, where the prize is a trophy.

Coun Turner said: "It is an annual event which takes place every year. Like the other schemes we have planned, it is all about improving the image of West Auckland."