A PENSIONERS’ group facing imminent closure is now celebrating after securing future funding.

Growing Old Living in Darlington (GOLD) was braced to lose its funding from Darlington Borough Council at the end of March due to budget cuts, leaving its future looking uncertain.

However, working alongside Darlington Citizen’s Advice Bureau (DCAB), the group has managed to secure further funding to allow it to continue and members will celebrate with a special event on Thursday (March 19).

Terry Taylor, GOLD Chair, is delighted in the turnaround of the group’s fortunes, and said: “This is a great opportunity to carry on improving quality of life and to put campaigning and justice at the heart of GOLD’s activities.”

Neeraj Sharma, chief executive officer at DCAB, added: “Securing funding for GOLD was our primary objective, and I am delighted that this essential service will continue to flourish.”

GOLD has been working to improve quality of life for older people in Darlington for more than 12 years, with a focus on dignity and respect and making sure the elderly voice is heard.

Its annual tea dance in the Market Square has been a popular summer event for almost a decade and it will continue this year on August 12.

The GOLD Celebration Event on Thursday will run from 1.30pm until 3.30pm at St Cuthbert’s Church and will include refreshments, speakers and discussions.