A VILLAGE hub will keep warm over the winter period thanks to repairs.

School Aycliffe Community Centre, in School Aycliffe, has had vital improvements carried out on its heating system.

The work was made possible using money in the committee’s bank, £650 from a quiz and ladies’ night fundraiser, and an additional £1,200 from Cllrs Eddy Adam and Kate Hopper which was match-funded.

Cllr Adam said: “Kate and I were pleased we could help, the heating was needed to ensure the centre could function over the Christmas period, especially for the children’s party and other groups who use the facility.”

The committee formed in September and found the boiler had been condemned.

Chairman Tony Robinson said: “People don’t want to work in a cold hall.

“Now we’ve got volunteers who come and clean it up and cut the grass.

“We thought we would give it one last chance and already have bookings doe next year.”