MORE than 30 community groups are to benefit from a £7,000 grant from Okehampton United Charity to All Saints Church Hall on Market Street.

The OUC has donated the money to the hall as part of a long-term renovation project of the premises to improve facilities for all its users, including community groups and charity fundraisers.

OUC chairman Derek Webber and clerk Karen Percival visited the hall to present a cheque to representatives of the hall.

Michael Bennett, hall treasurer, said: 'We have been fundraising for the past three or four years to pay for a number of renovation works here.

'We have replaced the big panoramic window facing Market Street, had a complete renewal of the floor in the main hall and foyer, put new windows in the toilets, replaced windows in the hall, new heaters and guttering — the list goes on and on. It has been quite a big job we have had here over the last few years.

'The grant from Okehampton United Charity means an awful lot to us. They have been very kind to us — around three or four years ago, they gave us a grant to help replace tables and chairs, sort out the hall windows and work on the hall floor.

'The hall has had an awful lot of work done on it, and that makes it so much better for the groups that use it. On last count, we have over 30 different groups using the hall.

'Everything that has been done, from the new floor to the new chairs and tables, makes the hall more welcoming, and more enjoyable for everyone using it.

'Because of the number of people using the hall, an awful lot of people in Okehampton will benefit from this money. We are so so pleased with the grant, and it has really enabled us to forge onward with our plans and make the hall even better.'