A RUNDOWN chapel that has been used for storing a council's garden machinery is to be transformed into a local heritage centre.

The disused chapel at Duncombe Cemetery, in Ferryhill, will be converted and run by members of Ferryhill History Society.

The building, which is owned by Ferryhill Town Council, has been used for storing grass cutters and grounds maintenance tools. It is to be leased to the society for a penny a year.

Initially, it will be open by appointment only but eventually it is hoped that there will be regular opening times.

With the help of the town council, Ferryhill History Society has secured a grant of £4,849 from the Lottery's Awards for All programme.

The cash will pay for basic refurbishment, including installation of new Gothic arched oak doors and carpets, and measure to ensure exhibits can be displayed securely inside. It is hoped this can be completed by September so visits can be arranged.

Toilet facilities must be built before it can open its doors fully to the public.

More than 100 old photographs of the town, dating back as far as 1857, items of memorabilia and history books will be displayed in the centre.

Geoff Wall, treasurer of the society, owns most of the items to be exhibited in a private collection he has built up over decades of research.

Mr Wall said: "I found myself with a garage almost full of old photographs and other memorabilia from the area, so visited schools and groups to talk about them.

"People said they should be displayed for more people to see, so for about five years we've been trying to find a suitable place.

"It is important for people to remember their community's heritage and teach younger generations about their roots.

"The mining history of this area is really important, with busy collieries at Mainsforth and Dean and Chapter, but some kids now don't even know what coal is.

"There is also the old railway station, town football club and the early days of the town when it was a market garden for the Prince Bishops."