A VILLAGE community centre has achieved a new accreditation.

Jubilee Hall, in West Rainton, near Durham, has gained the level two Hallmark Award, recognising how well the centre is run.

Members of the West Rainton and Leamside Community Association, which runs the venue, received the award on Wednesday (May 30).

It was granted after the hall was assessed for its health and safety policies, licences and risk assessments.

Leaders are now working towards level three, which focuses further on what role the centre plays in the community.

Jeff Morland, chairman of the centre management team, said: “In recent years the hall has been significantly refurbished and the association has been on a journey of working towards building a community centre where all are welcome, friendships can be made and support offered through various activities.

“We are delighted to receive the level two Hallmark Award, as it has helped the centre’s trustees focus on running the centre both efficiently and effectively.”

The hall reopened in 2011 following a £200,000 revamp and hosts activities including employability and wellbeing clubs.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will perform at the hall on Saturday, May 10.

There will be wartime songs and a reflection by Reverend Dr Michael Beck, rector of St Mary’s Church, West Rainton.

Guests will include the High Sheriff of County Durham, Gerald Osborne, the commanding officer of 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Lieutenant Colonel Karl Mace, and Paul Elliott, representing The Durham Pals.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the concert begins at 7pm. There will be a licensed bar until 10.30pm. Tickets, priced £8 for adults and £6 for concessions, can be booked at Jubilee Hall community gym or online at westraintonjubileehall.org.uk/events Earlier, between 10am and noon, there will be a coffee morning, with artefacts held by the History Group on display.