A DARLINGTON community centre got a sprucing up thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers taking part in a decorating challenge.

Volunteers from Darlington Cares painted the sun room at Firthmoor Community Centre on Friday (August 15)

Programme manager Katie Blundell said: "There were five volunteers there and it went really well."

She added that the project had been completed with time to spare.

Darlington Cares was set up in October 2012 and aims to encourage participating employers in Darlington to engage their staff in voluntary work.

It is the first corporate social responsibility body in Darlington.

The organisation works with business and charities and makes it easier to volunteer by identifying project opportunities.

More than 500 hours of volunteering has been clocked up by Darlington Cares members so far.

Darlington Cares works with 22 employers in both the private and public sectors, including Cummins, Deep Ocean, Sherwoods and Darlington Borough Council.

Darlington Football club also took part in an event with the charity, with manager Martin Gray hosting a football game for youngsters.

As well as decorating the charity, runs a school readers scheme and has held a number of litter-picks.

Miss Blundell added: "We’re going to be back at the Firthmoor centre soon.

"There is going to be a project here early next year, where will be building a small adventure play area."