Durham County Council (DCC) is to consider a proposal that will see a former council-run leisure centre operated as a new community facility with business and leisure provision.

The council's cabinet will discuss the plans for Ferryhill Leisure Centre, which closed on 1 October as a result of "significant reductions" in government funding.

Ferryhill Community Partnership, however, has now come forward with a proposal to open the venue once again, which would include a members-only leisure facility and a pub/bistro.

Members of the cabinet will be asked on 14 December to approve further negotiations with the organisation in a bid to bring the centre back into use.

If approved and talks prove successful, it could mean a new lease of life for five out of the six council-run leisure facilities currently earmarked for closure.

DCC's cabinet member with responsibility for the matter, Bob Young, said: "Through continued discussions and provided that the legal and financial criteria can be met, I have every hope the group will be able to offer local people a valued community facility."