IMPROVEMENT work on a Darlington estate's community hall has started after residents raised half of the £22,000 cost.

The other half of the money needed to renovate Salutation Hall, on the Hummersknott estate, was put forward by the church.

It is hoped that the community will be reaping the benefits of the improvements by the start of next month.

The hall, in Salutation Road, was originally linked with Salutation Church, which has been demolished.

Refurbishment work will include the installation of a disabled-friendly entrance and toilets, and a new kitchen.

The building will also be redecorated.

The Reverend John Dobson, Vicar of Blackwell, whose All Saints Church runs the hall, said it was an underused facility, despite the lack of other centres.

"It's the only community hall in the whole of Hummersknott," he said.

"We are hoping once it is refurbished that it will be used more.

It is a resource which could do a better job."

At present, community groups, Guides and dance groups all use the hall. There are also regular keep fit classes, coffee mornings and monthly Holy Communion services.

Mr Dobson said that parishioners had been very generous, and that their efforts had been topped up by the parochial church council.

"People are so generous round here," he said.

"They do have a sense of community spirit and show a real desire to see the church serving the community."