ENTERTAINMENT and information for visitors at a village hall is coming through loud and clear thanks to the arrival of new audio visual equipment.

The Banks Group has funded the equipment at Bishopton Village Hall, between Darlington and Stockton, with £2,199 from its Banks Community Fund.

Bishopton Village Hall is used by about 350 people who live in the village and surrounding countryside. It hosts a range of events and organisations, from the Women's Institute, Rainbows, Brownies and a whist group through to keep fit and Zumba classes.

The equipment, which includes a microphone, amplifier and speakers, is part of a rolling refurbishment programme at the village hall.

Village hall chairman Geoffrey Baines said: "This new equipment has made a huge difference and all our user groups are benefiting, and it's even helping the trustees to fund-raise for future renovation and upkeep."