WORKERS for a housing company have raised £800 for a community centre by staying safe.

The Fulforth Centre, in Sacriston, will use the money donated by housing company Keepmoat to buy sports equipment, such as balls and rackets, for use in its games area and outdoor gym.

Keepmoat, which has been carrying out roof repairs in the area for social landlord Cestria Community Housing.

The money was raised through a Penny Scheme, with one penny donated for every incident-free hour worked by Keepmoat staff and its sub-contractors.

Linda Surtees, chairman at The Fulforth Community Centre, said: "We hope this cash injection will enable us to enthuse and encourage the local community in participating in sport and recreation at The Fulforth Centre, creating a healthier community for the longer term."

Keepmoat has been working in Sacriston for the last two years and has already funded a variety of different projects and initiatives.

They have worked with local schools to make bird and bat boxes as well as safety signs, held coffee mornings and organised energy saving events.

Julie Milne, from Keepmoat, said: "We have built up a very close relationship with local people and businesses while we have been working in the area and this is our way of giving something back to the community.

"The Penny Scheme is a great initiative and I would like to thank our sub contractors who have also been involved in donating the money.

Last August, the Penny Scheme donated £1,270.61 to help pay towards sending five-year-old Thomas Brennan, from Ushaw Moor, to America for a pioneering operation to help him walk freely for the first time.