YOUNGER and older generations of a community have joined forces to start work on building a neighbourhood learning centre.

Ethan Chatt, aged 18 months, and John Dickinson cut the first piece of turf in the construction of a facility at Moorside Community College, Consett.

They were joined by officials, including Durham county councillor Clive Robson, Derwentside District Council's chairman, Councillor Cath Clarke, and headteacher Jonathan Morris.

The centre, funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund through the district council, and the European Regional Development Fund through the Government Office North-East, will be for staff, students, families and communities in south Consett.

Mr Morris said: "The college sees this as a great opportunity to help its students achieve more and aspire to more, and to pass this on to the whole community.

"The centre will offer a wide range of activities to a wide range of people.

"The facility will house services for young people and their families as well as adult learning and our community groups."

The centre is scheduled for completion in late autumn, with Moorside Community Association groups moving in as soon as possible.

The services offered will continue to include the parent and toddler group, a baby clinic and facilities for meetings and clubs.

Adult learning, and the youth club provided by County Durham's Education in the Community team, will move into the centre.

Building work is contracted to T Manners and Son, working in partnership with Niven and Niven Architects and Durham County Council.