A hall facing closure due to costly repairs to its roof has been given £10,000 by the National Lottery.

About £25,000 was needed for Twydall Community Centre.

The Big Lottery Fund has given the Twydall and District Community Association (TCDA), which run the centre, the cash to carry out the work.

The Beechings Way facility was built in 1964 and although it has been upgraded essential building maintenance is needed.

It is used by a number of community groups including a war games club and two dance clubs. It is also rented out by residents for private celebrations.

The association has organised events to raise extra cash including sales, children’s film sessions and craft fairs.

TDCA chairman Lloyd Glover said: “We are very grateful to the National Lottery for granting us these much-needed funds.

“This will allow us to continue to operate the centre for generations to come and provide services for Twydall and the surrounding areas.”

Mr Glover, who also runs ballroom and Latin American dance classes at the centre, said: “We have people of all ages. Our youngest member has just turned three but our eldest is in their 80s. We hold dance classes six or seven days a week.

“We look forward to being able to increase the centre’s involvement with local community and offer a wide range of events.”

He said work will be starting soon so there may be a reduction in parking while it is carried out.