VITAL work looks set to be carried out on Grappenhall's Bellhouse Lane Community Centre after fundraisers secured grants and donations of more than £30,000.

The centre needs a new roof and following less than a year of fundraising events and activities they have almost reached the £34,000 needed to fund the repair work.

The largest investment has been a £25,000 cash boost from Wren, a recycling group who use a tax credit scheme to invest money in worthwhile community schemes, such as the community centre.

And there has also been a £3,000 cheque from the Garfield Weston Trust and a cash injection from Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council that made the Wren cash possible.

The latest fundraising effort was a family fun day over the bank holiday when both Lymm town crier Peter Powell and Warrington Wolves mascot Wolfie were on hand and crowds had the unusual treat of a 'predict-a-pigeon-poop' contest.

Ruth Chischniak, from the centre, said: "Thanks to the generosity of all contributors the target has been met and work can proceed to repair the roof and continue to provide a safe venue for the many groups who use the centre.

"This is marvellous for the centre."

The centre, which is not council owned, has been growing for more than 30 years and is home to more than 40 user groups, open seven days a week and mornings, afternoons and evenings.

If you want to join you can go into the clubhouse on Bellhouse Lane at any time.