AN encouraging £50,000 has been raised so far towards the goal of providing a new, multi-purpose community centre for Lifton, much of it through voluntary efforts.

Although there is a long way to go to reach the target of £750,000, trustees of the charity-recognised Lifton Community Centre Ltd, are now hoping the fundraising efforts will help attract major grant bodies such as the Lottery Fund, and Sport England and possibly from Landfill grants. If everything goes to plan with grants and matching funds secured, the village could have a community centre in place by 2015.

The ambitious scheme, originally conceived in 1995, took a big step forward when land, opposite the Arundell Arms, was handed over to the trust by housing developers Midas in 2006. Planning permission was granted by West Devon Borough Council in 2012.

Tavistock architect Stephen Whettem has drawn up plans which include a multi-purpose hall to accommodate sports such as yoga, badminton, basketball, short mat bowls, skittles and snooker as well as for clubs, theatre-style events, youth groups and private function hire.

There would be a kitchen and café and two meeting rooms, one of which could be a crèche.

An outside games area would be available for five-a-side football, netball, archery and kwik cricket. A car park would also used as a market area.

A new community centre would obviously give a real lift to Lifton and individuals and groups have been working hard in fundraising efforts to realise the dream.

The trustees have completed the first application for the Big Lottery. They are also applying to the Secretary of State for the ownership of the earth bank in Fore Street as they wish to build the centre at pavement level to enhance the appearance and access.

The project has the support of West Devon Borough Council, the parish council, the Council for Voluntary Service and the Community Council of Devon along with West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox.

Vin Marshall, the secretary of the trustees, told the Times: 'The community centre will provide a venue that doesn't exist as yet for people of all age groups to get together, participate in clubs, societies, fitness activities and learning.

'It will also provide a place for functions, meetings and enjoying other community events and services.'

The local community have made a great effort to back the scheme.

Team Lifton has organised various events such as poetry readings, late breakfasts, choir recital, annual fete and dog shows. A Liskerrit Male Voice choir and Tregadillett songbirds concert has boosted funds along with monthly car boot sales and a market stall in Launceston. Six charity boxes in various village businesses are emptied on a regular basis.

Runner Kevin Marshall and friends have raised a phenomenal £11,500 from six London marathons and half-marathons.

To raise more money the charity has been awarded 'silver bond' status at the London Marathon for the next five years, meaning a designated runner can represent Lifton along with regular participant Kevin Marshall, who has secured a place already.

There will be car boot sales on the site on September 18 and October 12 and a late breakfast in the church hall on October 19.

Chair of the trustees Tony Phillips said: 'We welcome any volunteers to help or organise future fundraising events. Volunteers to help maintain the site would be invaluable.'

For more details call Tony on 01566 784939 or email [email protected]">[email protected]