A CAR park riddled with pot holes has been transformed to ensure villagers can gather together in a community centre without risking damage to their vehicles.

The car park serving Middleton St George Community Centre, near Darlington, had become unsafe and unusable after large potholes began appearing in its surface, which would crack and distort after freezing over in colder weather.

The centre, which sits in the heart of Middleton St George hosting a range of group meetings, activities and events, appealed for help, with a housebuilder coming forward with a cash donation.

Miller Homes, which oversaw the Hunters Fold development less than a mile from the community centre, donated £500 to fully resurface the car park, while Adenglow donated its services to complete the works.

A committee of six trustees and eight members volunteer their time to ensure the centre, which is a not-for-profit charity, is a welcoming and user-friendly space for Middleton St George residents.

It hosts events and activities for all ages including toddler sessions, Girlguiding groups and exercise classes as well as private functions and various meets covering topics from art to history.

Andrew Somerville, associate sales director at Miller Homes North East, said: “Middleton St George Community Centre is a hub bringing together people of all ages and interests, making it a well-used resource within the village.

"The centre’s team of volunteers work incredibly hard, pledging their time around family and job commitments.

“We didn’t hesitate in showing our support, and I’d like to thank Adenglow for donating its services to help to improve the car parking area.

"Residents at our Hunters Fold development settling into life in the village are fortunate to have a centre like this to visit, and I hope that it continues to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Louise Seniscal, a trustee at Middleton St George Community Centre, added: “Without kind donations like this we simply wouldn’t be able to fund the running of the centre let alone pay for improvements.

"Thanks to Miller Homes the car park has been completely repaired and we are more than grateful. This is something which will be a huge benefit to all of our users who will be so pleased.”

Hunters Fold is a new development of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, off Sadberge Road.

For more information on the Middleton St George Community Centre, visit msgcommunitycentre.blogspot.com