WORK is under way on a programme to breathe new life into even the smallest of communities in County Durham.

The County Durham Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative was launched last year to pump around £20m into improving the physical environment of several urban centres.

Durham County Council agreed to contribute £5m to the initiative, but members were keen that the smallest settlements did not miss out They reserved £1m of funding specifically for minor neighbourhood improvements.

Work has already started on some of the approximately 20 projects agreed.

County council leader Ken Manton said the availability of £1m exclusively for small settlements would have a big impact on these communities.

"Over the five-year period of the overall programme, it will help around 50 communities to realise projects that in many cases they have been dreaming of for years," he said.

The first to be implemented in the next few months include Rookhope in Weardale, where footpaths, public seating and traffic/pedestrian safety will be improved.

Ferryhill town centre will also benefit from the scheme with street furniture renewed around the Market Place, in partnership with the town council.