A North East councillor has spoken of their pride after the community rallied around the rejuvenation of a Darlington cemetery and chapel.

Jonathan Dulston has hailed the "fantastic results" of the community's work to restore East Cemetery in Firth Moor, Darlington.

The community have been working together to restore the gates, cut back trees and shrubs, as well as give the chapel a makeover.

Friends of Geneva Road Cemetery have given special thanks to Pete, Fabian, George, Bailey, Lucas and Josh from N Gage Learning Group CIC, Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Tony Shaw, Spencer Thornton, Jon Clarke and Emma Todd for their work in the project.

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Cllr Dulston said: "We've been absolutely overwhelmed by the level of support that we've had from local residents.

"People volunteering to plaster, volunteering to restore the floor, to paint. It really has been fantastic to see the community coming together.

"It's local people who have some connection, whether that's a loved one in the cemetery.

"The progress we've made really over the last two weeks has been phenomenal."

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He added the project began one month ago and the project has seen impressive results so far.

He said they are working with the ambition to have their first public event, a Christmas carol service later this year.

Mr Dulston said he hoped the major work on the chapel could be completed by September.

"It's a fantastic project to be involved in, we're appealing to people right across the town, come along, get involved," he added.

"Please go and follow our page on Friends of Geneva Road cemetery."

Residents reacted to the development of the chapel with substantial support and praised the community volunteers.

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One said: "Well done to you all in the community, it all is looking fantastic."

Another pleased resident said: "Oh my God, how beautiful. Always loved that place, would live there."

While another resident said: "Well done everyone, loving the free help offered, good community spirit."