A building that offered hope to redundant miners in the 1930s has been saved from closure by a £13,000 council grant.

A leaking roof threatened to bring an end to The Spennymoor Settlement, affectionately known as the Pitman's Academy.

The fear that an important part of Spennymoor's history could be lost sparked an impassioned plea by volunteers, who asked the town's council to help with the essential repairs.

Councillors agreed that it would be a shame to lose a place that has been a great influence on many local personalities over the years, including celebrated artists Tom McGuiness and Norman Cornish, and writer Sid Chaplin.

Secretary of The Settlement, Marion Jackson, said: "We went cap in hand to the council and our first attempt was successful, basically because they felt the building was worth doing something about. It is part of Spennymoor's social history.

"The work was finished last week, which is fantastic. The money was a lifeline and it means the continuation of The Settlement.''

Chairwoman Vera Williams said: "It gives us the confidence to go on."

The Settlement was founded in 1931 to offer miners a chance to widen their horizons and re-educate them for life after the mines.

It was established when times were desperate, and many of its "graduates" gained scholarships to Oxford.

It was originally funded by a £500 annual grant from the Pilgrim's Trust and staged groundbreaking theatrical productions. Since funding ended in the 1950s, a small band of volunteers has struggled to keep it open.

It is still used by organisations today, including St John Ambulance and its junior branch, the Badgers.

Councillor Bill Waters, leader of Spennymoor Town Council, said it was an essential part of social history in Spennymoor.

He said: "The people who have tried to retain these premises over the years need to be congratulated.

"They have put in a tremendous amount of hard work - unpaid work - to keep it going.

"I think it is money well spent. At least the people can see that we are trying to retain an amenity in the town and can see where the money is being spent.