A COUNCIL has made an £800 donation towards a pioneering community centre.

Ferryhill Town Council has donated the cash to the Ladder Centre, in the Lakes estate in the town.

The centre, which was developed by residents to address the increasing problems on the estate, first opened in April 2003.

It has provided a range of services including training in information technology, catering and childcare, and local police have reported that it has had a positive effect in reducing crime.

June Kneasfy, of the centre, said: "We would like to thank Ferryhill Town Council and local residents for all of the support that they have given the centre over the years.

"This £800 donation will make a huge difference in enabling the centre to continue running in the future."