FUNDS are being sought to build a community centre in Lifton now that planning permission has been granted.

Trustees of the project said they were relieved that the centre, to be built opposite the Arundell Arms, had gone through the planning process successfully and now it was full steam ahead.

The idea was conceived in 1996 as the village lacked a facility for all the community. Land was provided for this by Midas Homes, which built a new housing estate in the village.

Chairman of the trustees Tony Phillips said:?'We have a church hall but a community centre is something that the village has wanted for a long time.

'Our next step is to secure the funding so we are able to build it. We are applying to the Big Lottery Fund, Sport England and hoping to get something from the Landfill grants.'

The village has raised £43,000 towards the project and trustees expressed thanks to everyone who has contributed this year. The centre is expected to cost £750,000 to build.

The Matt Harvey evening raised £32, the Late Breakfast £400, Bath Half Marathon £257, charity boxes £136, Tesco collection £62 and the Jubilee celebrations £1,000.