WORK has started on a development to provide a focal point to a community.

The Plains Farm and Humbledon Community Initiative was launched at the end of last month to transform a former nursery building, next to Plains Farm Primary School, in Sunderland, into a community centre.

It followed grants of £100,000 from the Government, £30,000 from Sure Start and £8,000 from the Home Housing Association.

In addition to the community centre, a nursery will also operate from the site, and work has already started to provide 52 nursery places for three to four-year-olds.