A DONATION of £2,000 from The Co-operative’s Community Fund has contributed to a new stage to be installed at Heightington Village Hall, providing an additional facility for the local community.

The village hall committee runs and maintains the hall and organises community events held in it on a regular basis. The grant from The Co-operative was combined with Lottery funding to enable the group to buy a new stage and upgrade all chairs.

Richard Coen, of the village hall committee, said: “Being able to install a stage in the hall has been a great boost for the community and really opens the scope for more activities and productions to be held at the venue.

“We’re extremely grateful for this grant from The Co-operative as revenue gained from additional usage of the hall will help to sustain its future.”

Andrew North, regional secretary for The Co-operative in the South West, said: “The Community Fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and supporting Heightington Village Hall committee is certainly a worthy cause.

“Many community groups share the same values as The Co-operative and could benefit from an award and we would certainly welcome their applications.”

The Community Fund offers grants of between £100 and £2,000 to community projects across the country.

Local Co-operative members’ committees allocate awards based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.

About £200,000 is available annually in the region to support charities and community groups and application forms are available online at co-operative.coop/Community-Fund or by phoning 0161 8275879.