USERS of a community hall will be able to sit more comfortably after securing funding for dozens of new chairs.

The investment is part of an ongoing programme of improvements at Grindon Parish Hall, near Stockton.

And after applying to the community fund linked to Banks Renewables' nearby Lambs Hill wind farm, the hall's committee was awarded a £1,000 grant to help fund the purchase of 40 new padded metal chairs.

Lynne Williams, treasurer of the management committee, says: "The Hall is a very well-used venue, but having so many people using it naturally takes its toll, and we've been working towards making improvements both inside and outside the building.

"Our existing seating has been in use for around two decades and was really showing its age, so we knew replacing it was a priority if we were to be able to keep providing the sort of environment that our users want."

Anyone interested in applying for funding from the Lambs Hill wind farm community benefits fund should contact James Eaglesham at County Durham Community Foundation on 0191-378-6342 to check eligibility.