FUNDRAISERS are aiming to raise £375,000 to safeguard the future of a community centre in Darlington.

The building adjoining Harrowgate Hill Methodist Church is used by Scouts and Guides, self-defence classes, a young musicians' group, a badminton club and an art group.

It is the only centre of its kind in the Harrowgate Hill area and local people rely heavily on its services.

But the centre, which is more than 100 years old, is in a dilapidated state and needs extensive repairs.

After a feasibility study was carried out, building fund treasurer Helen Hamilton discovered that it would cost almost as much to repair the building as it would to construct a new one.

She said: "Once we looked into it, repairs would cost more than £200,000 - against £375,000 to rebuild.

"We decided to rebuild because the layout of the building is not ideal.

"More than 200 children use the centre every week. It really is a vital part of the wider community.

"We were going to have to refurbish it anyway because of the new disability laws, but if we can raise this money we can enlarge the toilets to make a changing area for the self-defence classes."

Designs have been drawn up for a new centre, which include extra activity space, lavatories and a new entrance for the church.

Once the centre is rebuilt the church hopes to extend the services offered there, with adult education classes, including information technology sessions, a lunch club, keep-fit for the over-60s, basic cookery and a weekly children's club.

There is a summer children's club for a week in the school holidays, but since taking on two youth workers the church hopes to offer more for children and young people.

The lack of youth facilities has long been an issue in the Harrowgate Hill area.

The church is planning to hold an auction of goods, which Mrs Hamilton hopes will be donated by celebrities and organisations.

Fundraisers are also appealing for support from local businesses.

Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal is asked to telephone (01325) 468314.