A GOVERNMENT minister has singled out a North-East project as the way forward for ensuring the vitality of village halls.
Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight praised Teesdale Village Halls Consortium for the way it has helped the local community.
The consortium consists of 30 village halls in Teesdale, County Durham, who have joined to promote themselves.
At the National Village Halls Forum Conference, Mr Knight encouraged delegates to share information and solve the issues village halls are facing.
He said: "The consortium has evolved to meet the needs of its local communities, addressing their health, social and sport needs.
"These modern and successful village halls would not have achieved such results if local people and village hall management committees had not had the vision, the commitment and the enthusiasm to make it a success."
Consortium co-ordinator Fergus Arkley said: "We have been going now for 11 years and I think a lot of the reason for that is the dedication of the volunteers - they are the driving force behind it."
This year, the consortium attracted magician Paul Daniels for a tour of five halls.
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