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.

TOP GEAR: Headteacher Nicky Wright, Edge Hotel landlady Fiona Coastworth and Amit Kumar, from Cummins, with the year 5 group

HIGH OLD TIME: At 1,154ft, is Woodland’s community Christmas tree the highest in County Durham? Simon Land is posing the question

The Scalextric circuit proved popular at St Mary’s church.