Barry Pilgrim; Photo credit: Holt Town Council.

A group rallying to save a 45-year-old community hub has raised the final £7,000 needed to update its facilities - just six weeks after an appeal was launched.

The new call for help came after a revision to the £70,000 project to transform Holt Community Centre at Kerridge Way.

The vice chairman of the executive committee of Holt Community Centre Barry Pilgrim said: “In just six weeks Holt’s delivered £7,000.

“We started by asking users and user group for donations, we asked the residents of Holt by putting leaflets through doors and we also approached all 170 business in Holt.”

A total of £29,000 had been raised from grants but another £5,000 was needed before work could start on providing a disable toilet, baby changing facilities, renewing the heating and lighting in the main hall, replacing the oven and installing purpose-built units for users.

Mr Pilgrim added: “I’m very happy and I’m overjoyed. I always thought it could be done.”

The building has been serving its users since the 1970s and has 20 groups regularly using the centre with 24,000 people visiting it each year.

Improvements have been made within the last two years including the insulation of walls, solar panels, and sound-proof doors.

To celebrate the fund-raising success the committee have organised an “at home” coffee and cake event on August 26 at 11am-4pm in the centre.

• For more information or to help with fund-raising please ring 01263 713 427 or write to Holt Community Centre, Kerridge Way, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6DN.