A vital village community centre has been awarded £1,000 to help make badly-needed repairs.

Hesketh Bank Community Centre has been selected by Persimmon Homes Lancashire for a Community Champions donation.

The national match-funding initiative seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment across the region.

Diane Finch, sales and marketing director at Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: “Our Community Champions scheme was set up to provide financial aid to local groups who might otherwise struggle to deliver services in their neighbourhood, and this month’s good cause thoroughly deserves our support.”

Hesketh Bank Community Centre, close to Persimmon’s planned new development, Douglas Gardens, is an essential resource, enabling residents to participate in a variety of social, educational, cultural and recreational activities – from scouts and slimming clubs to table tennis and tai chi.

Managed and maintained completely by volunteers, the condition of the building needs significant repair and improvement. Persimmon’s donation will be used to help renovate the building. More information can be found at www.heskethbankcommunitycentre.org.uk

Community Champions invites local groups and charities to bid for cash, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally each month.

Persimmon has also recently launched a further funding programme – Building Futures – which focuses on support for people aged under 18 in the categories of sport, education and health.

Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity