A COMMUNITY hall which provides a vital service is in desperate need of refurbishment.

St Martin’s Community Hall in Broadmayne caters to rural residents of all ages.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to build an extension to provide a modern kitchen, storage and accessible toilet facilities.

The Do it for Dorset campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage donations to smaller local charities.

Carol Wightman, chairman of the management committee at St Martin’s Community Hall, said donations were much needed to update the community hub.

She said: “The hall is not only available to rent but offers a wide range of activities for people who live around here of all ages.

“It is a really lively place for all kinds of community events.”

She added: “It unites all members of the Broadmayne community.

“It is a really worthwhile cause.”

The former village school provides facilities for a Monday toddlers’ group, Tuesday coffee shop, a facility for a monthly soup lunch, a paperback library and a garden with a view.

It also is equipped for meetings and training events for local brownies, band practices and community and family events.

Jean Coates of the management committee added: “The management committee hopes to make it more accessible, provide better storage and offer community cinema, photocopying and exercise facilities.

“It needs a new kitchen and improved toilets. Planning permission has been obtained and the committee ready to start work using local skills we just need local support to be able to start.”

A fundraising event will be held at the hall on November 10.

For more details contact Jean Coates on 01305 852435.

EXAMPLES of how your donation can help: £10 will help to paint and redecorate the hall, £30 will provide cement for building the extension and £500 will help build a new accessible toilet.

To double your donation for the community hub visit localgiving.com/charity/community-hall-broadmayne If you are a charity, sports club, village hall or a community group and would like to join the Do It for Dorset campaign contact Tracy Melling on 01202 315952.