VILLAGERS have had their first look around a £1m arts centre. The former Co-op store in Dipton, near Stanley, has been turned into The Store, the new home of theatre company Cap-a-Pie.

It is billed as a healthy living centre for young people.

Cap-a-Pie artistic director Gordon Poad said: "Having our own space is fantastic for us.

"We are part of a new way of encouraging young people to think about their health.

"Health is not just the absence of illness, but about raising their aspirations and making sure they reach their potential in life. We think there is a role for theatre in this. Not only is it fun and exciting, but it is a space in which we can discuss our lives and make sense of our community."

The building includes an 80-seat theatre, rehearsal rooms, offices and dressing rooms.

The project, paid for by the New Opportunities Fund, was a partnership between Cap-a-Pie and Derwentside District Council, Durham Rural Community Council, Groundwork West Durham, Single Homeless Action in Derwentside, the North-East Council on Addictions, and Derwentside Primary Care Trust.

The trust will run a healthy options community cafe in the venue, known as The Kitchen, and will offer complementary therapies such as Indian head massage.

North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong opened the building at a fun day on Saturday.