A FORMER drill hall has been turned into a child care facility.

The Drill Hall, in Liddell Terrace, Bensham, Gateshead, was bought by St Chad's Community Project in 1999 as a base for its out- of-school service.

The service, which operated from St Chad's Church, provides pre and after-school care for 40 children and is heavily over-subscribed.

Now, with a £100,000 refit, the building's main hall has been turned into a new base for children.

By moving its service into purpose-designed premises St Chad's can offer twice as many children the chance to stay off the streets and take part in supervised and creative play in a safe environment.