Re-launch for saved Darlington Forum

The Forum's performance area holds 170 people

A Darlington music venue, which had faced closure due to funding problems, is to re-launch after being saved by the council and a not-for-profit firm.

The future of the Forum was thrown into doubt during the summer, and a campaign set up in its support.

The council then agreed to provide a new company, Humantics, with rent-free accommodation for five years, and paid for a review of its business plan.

An official re-launch party is being held on Friday evening.

It is hoped Humantics will be able to secure new long-term investment and funding.

A team of volunteers and inmates from Kirklevington Grange Open Prison have been re-decorating the venue, which houses recording studios, rehearsal rooms and a performance area holding 170 people.

Alison McKay, from Humantics, described it as "very exciting."

She said: "So many times over the last year we thought the end was nigh, but now it has been saved.

"We're all very proud of what we've achieved."