A PLAYGROUP has reopened, nearly a year after it was forced to close.

Bearpark Playgroup temporarily folded last April, due to resource and staffing problems.

But it reopened on Wednesday, with new equipment and supporters.

The group will meet in Bearpark Community Centre, in Bearpark, near Durham, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, from 9.30am to 11.15am. The cost is £8 per child per week. It is open to children aged two to five years.

The group was revived with the help of dedicated mothers, resident Ivor Williams and parish councillor Marion Wilson.

Councillor Wilson said: "Playgroup has been an important part of village life in Bearpark for over 30 years and must be allowed to continue, hopefully for another 30 years.

"This is proof of what can be achieved by a community working together and this group of young mothers can be proud to say: ‘We did this’."

Mr Williams said: "I was only too pleased to assist and it has been fantastic watching everyone pulling together to bring back playgroup."

To celebrate the group’s return, a coffee morning was held in the community centre, on Wednesday. A total of £55 was raised towards the cost of a new floor, estimated to be £1,600.

The group meets in a room named after Jean Chapman, who ran the playgroup for many years before losing a fight with cancer.

Bearpark Playgroup chair Michelle Winn said: "I hope Jean Chapman will be looking down on us and thinking: ‘You’ve done it, you’ve kept playgroup open."

For more information, call Marion Wilson on 07934-714-567.