THE building that offered a ray of hope to redundant miners in the Thirties has been saved from closure after a town council stepped in with a grant of more than £13,000.

A leaking roof threatened to bring an untimely end to The Spennymoor Settlement, affectionately known as the Pitman's Academy.

The fear that an important part of Spennymoor's history could be lost forever sparked an impassioned plea by volunteers, who asked the town council to help with the much-needed repairs.

Their pleas were heard as councillors agreed that it would be a shame to lose the place that has been a great influence on many personalities over the years, including celebrated artists Tom McGuiness, Norman Cornish and writer Sid Chaplin.

Secretary of The Settlement, Marion Jackson, said: "We went cap-in-hand to the council and our first attempt was successful, basically because they felt the building was worth doing something about. It is part of Spennymoor's social history.

"The work was finished last week, which is fantastic. The money was a lifeline and it means the continuation of The Settlement.''

Chairman Vera Williams said: "It gives us the confidence to go on.''

The Settlement was founded in 1931 to offer miners a chance to widen their horizons and re-educate them for life after the mines. It was originally funded by a £500 annual grant by the Pilgrim's Trust and staged groundbreaking theatrical productions.

Since funding ended in the Fifities a small band of volunteers has struggled to keep it open. It is still used by organisations today such as St John Ambulance and the Badgers.

Leader of Spennymoor Town Council Bill Waters said it was an essential part of social history in Spennymoor that the town would be sad to lose.

He said: "The people who have tried to retain those premises over the years need to be congratulated. They have put in a tremendous amount of hard work - unpaid work - to keep it going.

"I think it is money well spent. At least the people can see that we are trying to retain an amenity in the town and can see where the money is being spent.''