AN army of kind-hearted volunteers descended on a community centre to give it a DIY SOS style makeover.

More than 40 people got stuck into transforming Trimdon Grange Community Centre after its management committee won a competition held by Bishop Auckland’s JDP Contracting Services.

Committee treasurer, Pamela Duddin, and Pioneering Care Centre chief executive, Carol Gaskarth, worked together to apply for JDP’s second annual challenge.

Ms Duddin said the centre is used by more than 200 people from toddlers to the elderly.

She said: “We are over the moon. We never thought we would win because we’ve never won anything. Everyone is going to benefit, it will be great.”

The centre is more than 100 years old and 25 JDP employees spent Friday (July 31) doing various jobs including raising the stage and redoing all of the guttering and painting.

It is estimated that the work would have cost in the region of £15,000.

Ms Gaskarth added: “The long term benefits will be really good, all the parents will remember it as a school but soon they will be able to see their kids use it as a centre.”

Managing director of JDP, Chris Hyde, said the competition attracted around 20 applications in total.

He said: “When we were looking at applications we wanted to make sure we could get the most benefits for the community and this one won by a mile.

“It’s a popular community challenge and we do it to put something back into the community.

Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner visited the centre to show his support. He said:

“I’m delighted to see how many people got involved and I’m sure the community spirit and enthusiasm seen today will continue for years to come.”

For more information about the centre visit trimdongrangecommunitycentre.org.uk.