A CENTRE for pensioners in a former pit village is still out of action weeks after suffering storm damage.

Age Concern Ushaw Moor's base in Chestnut Grove suffered £25,000-worth of damage, including losing half its roof, in strong winds early in January.

The building cannot be repaired until April and, in the meantime, the charity has set up temporarily in the village's Neighbourhood Watch hall.

But it is unable to offer the wide range of activities and services that it normally provides, such as its Wednesday luncheon club, darts and dominoes sessions and craft sessions, because space is limited at the new venue.

The group is now trying to raise about £6,000 to replace damaged items that were not covered by insurance.

"The total cost of the damage was £25,000, and the insurance paid for most of it, but we still need to raise money for things like carpets, chairs and sewing machines and a tapestry that needs renovating," said treasurer James Boyd.

"We operate five days a week and it is the hub of the community for older people in the village, but at the moment all we can offer is bingo.

"We have a lunch club that meets on a Wednesday, but in the Neighbourhood Watch hall there is nowhere for us to cook."

Mr Boyd said that the group had secured £25,000 from the National Lottery to give its centre - a former school building - a major overhaul, including replacing wood cladding, installing new doors and windows and renovating the roof.

"We are having to wait until April for the repair of the roof, because they can't get round to it until then."

On Saturday, the group will hold a coffee morning in Durham Town Hall from 9am to 1pm. There will be a tombola and pies, bric-a-brac and cakes will be on sale.

Anyone who wants to donate to the fund can call Mr Boyd on 0191-373 5049 or 0771 4180306.