A Hartlepool community has received a boost with the opening of a new resource centre for meetings, advice and activities.

The former council house in Chatham Road, in the Dyke House area of town, is proving to be a focal point for community life.

It is already used as a base by Hartlepool Borough Council's community wardens, and aims to give residents easy access to a range of advice and support.

The centre was officially opened by Bernard Williams, the council's director of neighbourhood services, who paid tribute to local people.

He said: "One of the strengths of Hartlepool is the willingness and extent to which its residents give up their own time and get involved with a range of community activities. Nowhere is that more true than in this area."

Residents are to be offered training in skills such as holding and managing effective meetings thanks to an award of £500 from the Community Champions Fund regeneration initiative.