THE organiser of a not-for-profit facility which loans DIY equipment to residents of a Darlington estate has urged people to support the scheme.

Residents of Red Hall can borrow lawnmowers, hedge clippers and carpet cleaners for fees up to £2 from the Red Hall Tool Library.

Any money made the service is invested back into buying new tools and repairing existing equipment.

Don Martin, who organises the tool library, said: "We have 170 members but getting them to come and use the facility is the problem.

"The greater number we have coming through the doors, the more chance we have of survival."

The Red Hall Tool Library is open at the Red Hall Community Centre from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Mondays and Fridays.

It was established as one of four in Darlington.

Facilities are also available in Firthmoor and Cockerton. One in Skerne Park has recently been forced to close.

Yearly membership to the Red Hall Tool Library costs £1. For more information on joining call Mr Martin on 01325-267349.