A WELL-USED facility in Prudhoe has been given a new lease of life thanks to a funding boost from the local town council.

The kitchen in Prudhoe Parish Hall is used by countless local groups, including many that cater to children - but for some years, the church has hoped to refit the kitchen.

Many groups have expressed a desire to use the kitchen facilities for baking and other activities, but the previous kitchen was not up to scratch.

Prudhoe Town Council provided funding for the scheme, as well as councillors Ken Stow and Gordon Stewart via their member's local improvement scheme.

Rev. Dan Freyhan of St Mary Magdalene's Church said: "Thanks to the generosity of county councillors, The local council and some trust funds we are absolutely delighted to have completed a total refit and expansion of the kitchen.

"The new kitchen provides more complete and safer cooking facilities, instant hot water for tea and coffee, as well as a new commercial dishwasher and convenient hand wash sink to make sure that everything is kept clean.

"The closure during a pandemic has provided a convenient time to do the work without disrupting any of the hall users, and we really look forward to opening up at some point and welcoming people back in for social activities once it’s safe to do so.

"I believe we will have an important role to play in the coming months, because social interaction is something important we are really missing at the moment!"

Coun. Tracy Gilmore, the mayor of Prudhoe, added: "The church hall is a valuable asset to our community. Many groups benefit from the church hall.

"The kitchen is a great improvement and the council were delighted to be able to purchase a dishwasher to take pride of place in their new refurbished modern kitchen. Making life a little easier for the wonderful volunteers who will be using it."