A SMALL community group is throwing open the doors of its home of 56 years to showcase its facilities.

Alington House Community Association, formed 75 years ago, moved into its present base in Durham's North Bailey, in 1948.

The wife of the then Dean Alington, of Durham, was instrumental in its establishment and the house was named in her honour.

The Georgian house has modern facilities, which include a large hall, a kitchen, coffee bar, plus several smaller rooms suitable for groups of all sizes, about 50 of which meet regularly at Alington House, covering a range of interests from lace-making and quilting to the Youth Hostel Association.

The free cheese and wine evening next month will allow people to have a look at the facilities available at Alington House. It will be staged on Friday, January 21, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For details, call 0191-386 4088.