Butterknowle Village Hall has had a makeover for the first time in more than two decades thanks to a scheme providing work experience to young people.
It is also the first community centre out of 12 in the region that are to get a lick of paint through a joint venture between Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) and Trades4Care.
Trades4Care was formed as a way of giving college students an opportunity to work alongside qualified tradespeople, but the project with TAP is open to any young people in Teesdale who are thinking about taking up a trade as a career.
TAP provided £15,759 towards the project while the six county councillors for the area each gave £500.
Each of the community venues provide the balance of the cash needed for their respective decorating projects.
Work at Butterknowle included painting and decorating the main hall and the dining area.
Charlie Wright of Trades4Care said: “The ceiling took a bit of work with it being so high and we had to repair quite a bit because there was some water damage.”
Toft Hill resident Josh Walker was one of the young people to join the work, along with Durham New College students Dyllan Ash and Ben Woods.
Ben, who previous joined Trades4Care for work done at Butterwick Hospice, said: “It has definitely been fun, that’s why I came back for a week. It’s good to get the experience really.”
The village hall committee was impressed with the quality of the work that was done.
Jeanette Newell from the committee said: “I think it is a good scheme, we have definitely benefitted from it because it has saved us money. I don’t know if we could have afforded it otherwise.
“It was desperate for a lick of paint, and they have done a good job – we are most impressed.”
Cllr James Cosslett, who is the county representative for the village as well as TAP chairman, said: “This is a great project which benefits both the community buildings in Teesdale, which deliver a great service to their communities and for young people who are gaining valuable work experience.”
Of future work coming up, Mr Wright said: “Before Christmas we are going to Randolph Centre in Evenwood for a week and then to Scarth Hall, in Staindrop.
“After Christmas we are at TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, for three weeks, so if there are any youngsters in Teesdale that want to join us, get in contact.”
Those interest can email charliewright06@hotmail.com.
