VILLAGERS are rallying round to raise thousands of pounds needed to improve access to community facilities.

Residents in Shotley Bridge, near Consett, are organising fundraising events to pay for wheelchair access to both St Cuthbert's Church and the church hall, in Church Bank.

The church council believes it will need about £15,000 for both projects.

The Reverend Martin Jackson said: "We have temporary ramps we can bring out to provide access to both buildings. But we want something permanent. It will make life easier for anyone in a wheelchair or who has problems with steps."

The work at the 150-year-old church will involve replacing the drive and taking out three steps to the main door. Mr Jackson said: "Churches have to take reasonable steps to comply with new disability access regulations. We were aware that the drive leading up to the church needed to be replaced."

Once the new £10,000 drive is completed, he will lead fundraising for the £5,000 needed to build proper disabled access to the church hall.

Parishioners have already held coffee mornings and organised concerts to raise funds. With donations, they have already brought in £4,000.

The next fundraising event is an exhibition of work by local artists, on Saturday, September 11, from 10am to 4pm, in the church hall.

More than 20 artists have submitted pieces. Also on display will be calligraphy, work by a photographic artist and some sculptures. Admission is 50p.