A DISUSED factory in north Durham is to get a £140,000 facelift and be used as a community enterprise centre.

Pupils from years seven to 11 in secondary schools and some primary schools will be able to learn new skills they can use in the workplace, at Enterprise Place in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley.

Enterprise Place is due to open in September and will also be used to deliver training and support to individuals or organisations within the local community who are looking to develop entrepreneurial skills for themselves or their staff.

The centre will have a conference-style suite, library, and a range of rooms for training sessions.

It is being developed by Derwentside District Council and property solutions company Rok Tyneside.

The firm was commissioned by the council to replace the entire roof, install new glazing and do general renovation work.

Enterprise Place manager Martin Bell said: "Rok has done a great job in turning the outside of an old factory unit into something that really catches the eye.

"This centre will have everything we need all under the one roof.

"And it will have some of the best educational facilities available."

Rok has offices across the country and is a specialist in delivering property solutions on projects of any scale.

The area director for Rok North-East, Mitchell Smith, said: "Having completed the work on the outside, we hope we have shown Derwentside Council we have the quality and skills to develop the rest of the centre."