WORK has begun on a new community centre in Darlington.
The first sod was cut at the Clifton Community Centre, in Clifton Avenue, this week.
People in the parish of St Hilda and St Columba raised £491,000 to fund the work.
Building is expected to start in the next three weeks and should be completed by September.
The new centre will offer a focal point for the community and will replace an outdated building which is used by more than 200 people a week.
The new centre will include a kitchen, community hall, coffee bar, and offices, as well as an extended area for worship.
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