REFURBISHMENT work to a community building has begun.
It comes after over £40,000 was raised for improvement of Ninebanks Church and Community Hall's kitchen and meeting room.
The funding has come from local people and businesses and North-East-based and national charitable groups and foundations.
A spokeswoman said: "Ninebanks' hall is the only public building in the village and has been an important venue for the community to meet in since it was built in 1934.
"The refurbishment will include new windows, new electrics and plumbing, much needed insulation and heating and a new purpose built kitchen.
"Ninebanks Church and Community Group is over the moon that work has started and can't wait to see the first community event due to take place in April.
"Our thanks go to all the individuals and charitable groups that have made this work possible and secured the hall's future for our community."
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