A Darlington church which faced possible closure is preparing for a £500,000 transformation into a new community facility.

Just a few years ago, the future of St Columba's looked bleak because its congregation had dwindled.

But through hard work and determination, its fortunes were turned around and the church is now on the verge of a new era.

Parishioners are waiting for the result of a £371,000 National Lottery bid - expected next month - to create a new community hall and meeting rooms.

The church building, erected in the 1970s, is also due to be expanded, with an additional £93,000 through grants and fundraising.

A further £1,000 has come through a donation from the Halifax bank.

The Reverend Simon Foster said that a consultation exercise had been carried out with local groups in a bid to find out what they wanted from the project.

There has also been a feasibility study to see whether the plans would be workable.

Mr Foster said: "The church has become increasingly popular over recent years and we believe that it should be seen as a community resource.

"We have a lively community, which has expanded, and we are trying to create more space because the demand from various groups means we need it.

"The building also looks a bit grim from the outside, so by doing the work we can also improve the look of the environment."

National Lottery assessors have said that the church's bid is a "high quality" one.

If successful, money would be spent on additional facilities such as a coffee bar and new kitchen.

Work on the church could start on the entire project in the summer if all the permissions are in place.

Mr Foster said: "It has just been a case of us believing in the work that we are doing.

"Through hard work and perseverance, we have been able to get to where we stand now."

Donations to the church's building fund can be sent by cheque marked Parish of St Hilda and St Columba's to Brian Degnan, parish treasurer, 5 Park Crescent, Darlington DL1 5EG.