MEMBERS of the public are being urged to support a community effort to secure prize money of £25,000 to help secure the future of a closure-threatened library.

Volunteering organisation eVOLution has reached the second stage of the Aviva Community Fund programme, with the aim of securing a sustainable future for the library in Cockerton.

The aim is to transition the library from local authority control into the hands of volunteers.

Working with the local authority, eVOLution has successfully reached the second stage of the Aviva Community Fund which aims to secure the self-sustainable future of Cockerton Library.

In order to progress to the final and secure the £25,000 prize, eVOLution needs as many people as possible to show their support in an online voting process.

With the help and guidance of more than 140 volunteers, eVOLution plans to develop activities promoting community cohesion, introduce more comfortable seating and install a coffee bar.

The future of Cockerton Library has been uncertain since it was earmarked for closure as far back as 2013, when Darlington Borough Council revealed it was looking to make savings of £13.6m over three years.

Town hall chiefs said they could no longer afford to subsidise the library, which costs £40,000 a year to run.

The project faces competition from other worthy causes, so eVOLution is hoping members of the Darlington community will support the appeal.

An eVOLution spokesman said: "The competition may be tough but with the help of you, your family and friends, we can make a real difference to the community of Darlington.

"Cockerton Library is a much loved fixture at the heart of the town and is regularly used by the people of Darlington, as well as those further afield."

Aviva has produced a video about the project.

eVOLution is a local charity that supports the voluntary and community sector and operates the town’s only accredited Volunteer Centre.

Karen Grundy, executive director of eVOlution, added: “We are really grateful to Aviva for allowing us to reach this stage of the process.

"If we are successful, the £25,000 could transform Cockerton Library into a space for all ages: a hive of creativity and social interaction where 'sssh' gives way to the buzz of community spirit.”

A spokesperson for Darlington Borough Council said: “We wish eVOLution every success in bidding for this funding."

The deadline for votes is Saturday, May 30.

To vote, click here.