WORK is under way to turn a derelict nightclub into a non-profit-making childcare centre.

The former Talk of the Town nightclub, on the corner of Hundens Lane and Haughton Road, in Darlington, had been empty for a number of years until Debbi Moore decided to turn it into a children's centre.

Before plans for The Funtime Club were announced, residents in the area had complained about the abandoned building, which was formerly owned by local businessman Marcus Nimmo.

A planning application was granted in 1998 to convert it into six flats, but it remained undeveloped and became a target for vandals.

But thanks to a £27,300 National Lottery grant from the New Opportunities Fund, Ms Moore hopes to provide care for up to 40 youngsters.

Ms Moore already runs a childcare centre at Darlington Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the NHS, offering care from 7am until 6.30pm, for up to 24 children. The Funtime Club is currently running from Haughton Youth Centre.

When it moves to its new premises, The Funtime Club will offer a weekend service as well as care for youngsters aged three to 14 during the week. Both centres, which are Ofsted-approved, provide breakfast and supervise the trip to and from school. During school holidays the facilities are open all day.

Although much of the shell of the former Talk of the Town club has been retained, the area behind it has been demolished to create a play area and parking. Inside there will be an area for arts and crafts, a homework area and a computer centre.

The young members of The Funtime Club have been consulted on the new building.

Ms Moore said: "I could see there was a gap between the end of the school day and what employers saw was the end of the working day - and that only those on a certain level of income could afford the childcare fees to cover that gap in order to keep on working.

"That's why I'm determined to offer an environment that's warm, friendly, safe and fun for children, at a cost low enough to make it accessible to parents on any income."

For details on how to book a place, call Ms Moore, on 07801 851022, Angela Farry on (01325) 743508, or Sharon Stoker on 07867 976 706.