SUPPORTERS are celebrating after securing a £71,424 grant towards creating a 'community hub' at Corfe Castle Village Hall.

The grant, from the Viridor Credits' Landfill Community Fund, will be used to replace the hall's drains and roof, a project expected to start in January 2018.

These works are part of a larger £350,000 project, that includes extending the village hall to create the hub.

Corfe Castle Village Hall chairman George Preston said: "We are very grateful to the Viridor Credits Environmental Company.

"We are planning a final push on fundraising this autumn to enable the whole project to be delivered by summer next year.

"Local people from Corfe and the surrounding villages who would like to help can 'buy a stone'.

The aim of the Buy-a-Stone campaign is to raise £20,000 towards the project. It works by supporters buying a virtual stone for £10, either in your own name or a loved one.

Viridor Credits operations manager Gareth Williams said: "Village halls are the beating heart of many small towns and villages, and the importance of the hall in Corfe Castle was recognised as a vital facility by the Viridor Credits trustees.

"We are delighted to work with the hall trustees to deliver these exciting improvements."

Visit corfecastlevillagehall.co.uk for further information.