COMPANY bosses Ben and Charlie Holland have been thanked for funding the running costs for the next 12 months of a vital village community hub.

The brothers are directors of Cranage-based motorhome and caravan dealership Spinney, which has donated £5,000 to the newly-formed charity Chelford Community Hub.

The Hub was established in January with a view to taking over the running of the Astle Court Community Room in Elmstead Road, Chelford, from Peaks and Plains Housing Trust.

The room is used by Chelford Tenants and Residents Association, Chelford Parish Council and village groups and residents.

The Hub is looking to attract other groups to use the facilities, and already a new befriending service, Connecting Chelford, is using the venue, together with fundraising events for local charities.

Nigel Jehan, chairman of Chelford Community Hub said: “The trustees of the charity are extremely grateful for the support of Spinney in providing our first year of running costs.

“It is a great relief that we can continue with the already existing community activities, while looking at new activities and attracting new users, including use for training events, meetings and social events.

“It really makes a difference to so many people in Chelford and the surrounding area.”

Spinney’s connection with the Community Room is through long- standing resident Jean Pearce, 90.

When Ben and Charlie visited Jean before Christmas they were told of the changes over the running of the community room.

Charlie said: “We wanted to support the centre so Jean and her friends could continue to have a place to go and socialise, along with raising funds for years to come so this great local service carries on.”

Thanks to the generous support of Spinney a host of activities can still take place, including Musical Moments - fun exercise to music and singing - lunches, teas and meals, coffee mornings, a weekly craft group, bingo, card making, support and advice sessions.

The Hub is looking to organised a series of events to further boost its funds, and for further information about Chelford Community Hub, or to inquire about booking the venue, call 01625 861038 or email chelfordcommunityhub@yahoo.com