A £50,599 grant will provide the finishing touches to a new east Durham community centre.

The £800,000 facility is being built by the East Durham Trust in the Eden Hill area of Peterlee.

The trust was formed when Easington CVS and East Durham Community Network joined forces last year.

It secured a major breakthrough in its all-encompassing community proposals when it was able to secure the costs for the centre from the Neighbourhood Renewal fund.

This week, the trust learned that the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has now donated £50,599 to the scheme, which will pay for the interior fittings for the venture, which is due to be completed in March.

Commenting on the windfall, the trust's chief executive, Malcolm Fallow, said the money would act as the final piece of the jigsaw.

"Joining up the two organisations has been fantastic in terms of the enhanced service we can now provide for community groups around the district,'' said Mr Fallow.

The construction of the centre will mean the trust can move from its cramped quarters in Peterlee town centre.