CHURCH leaders are appealing for community groups to come forward to use their newly renovated church hall.

St Cuthbert's Hall, in Church Bank, Shotley Bridge was renovated at a cost of £254,000, of which more than half was raised through charity. The rest was awarded by national lottery agents.

Hire charges start at £4 an hour and there is access to well-heated, well-lighted rooms, toilets and kitchen and baby-changing facilities.

At present, users include a toddler group, amateur dramatic society, a martial arts group, and Guides and Brownies. The hall committee is hoping to start a luncheon club in the near future. Other plans include a second-hand book fair.

For further details, ring 01207 503004.

The hall committee annual meeting takes place on Monday February 12, at 8.15pm, in St Cuthbert's Hall. The meeting is open to the public, and representatives of hall user groups are also invited.