A MUCH-loved community hub in Stoke Climsland is set for a major refurbishment after securing £20,000 from the National Lottery.

The Old School, Stoke Climsland Community Project has been awarded funding through the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme, which will pay for the first phase of a project to bring the historic building back into good condition.

The initial priority is replacing the building’s windows, which trustees say are in need of replacement. The wider refurbishment is planned in three phases, starting with the windows before moving on to improvements to the roof and insulation, followed by plastering work.

A spokesperson said: “This £20,000 award is a fantastic boost for The Old School and for everyone who uses it. It has been at the heart of Stoke Climsland for years and is used by people of all ages. This funding will help us protect it as a community space for many years to come, and we’re incredibly grateful to the National Lottery for supporting our plans.”

A crowdfunder had been launched to raise at least £5,000 towards the cost of the first phase. It raised £1,529, which was then match-funded by Cornwall Council with a further £1,500, creating a total of £3,029.

The successful Lottery application means the trustees can now progress with the planned work, although there are still some steps to complete before construction can begin.

The Old School has been a community centre for years and remains a hub for people of all ages. Its activities include toddler groups, a film club, art groups, Lego and history clubs, a choir, lunches and a range of social and recreational activities.

The project follows years of work to maintain the historic building as a sustainable community asset.