A SHARED passion for books and woodwork inspired a new outdoor library in Newton Aycliffe.

For months, members of Greenfield Community College’s Book Buzz club has been working alongside the Newton Aycliffe men’s Cree group to design and build a weather-proof book shelf.

The aim was to encourage residents of all ages to borrow and swap books to spread the joy of reading.

Today (Monday, February 23), Cree and book club members were joined by dignitaries and Middlesbrough author Andy Croft to officially open the library outside the school.

Katy Milne, director of arts and creativity at Greenfield Community College, said: “It has been lovely to witness the Cree group and book club working together.

“To see the fruits of their ideas and hard work culminate in this beautiful library is truly amazing. I am so proud of them all.”

Funding for the project came from Greenfield Arts, Horndale Residents’ Association and Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership.

The school now plans to create an anthology of pupils’ stories and poems, which will be published and included within outdoor libraries at Greenfield and the Sunnydale campus in Shildon.

Supported by the East Durham Trust, the Cree group meets at Greenfield Arts every Monday and provides a platform for men of all ages to socialise and learn new skills.

For more information, contact 0191-5693511.