VILLAGERS near Hay-on-Wye who spent more than 10 years fundraising for a new community hall are celebrating a £1500 boost to the cause as their dream finally nears reality.

Committee members behind a £200,000 effort to build a new meeting place in Cusop were overjoyed when The Black Mountain Lions announced the donation months ahead of the building’s completion.

Trustee John Wilks, who last year led a £30,000 appeal to residents - some of who came back with as much as £10,000 towards the project - said: “We are extremely grateful to them for their generosity and support.”

The money means as the Lower Mead build comes to an end a much better kitchen than a basic one originally planned can be installed.

Construction has now reached eaves level after work began at the end of last year 12 years after residents decided an old church room previously used for meetings needed updating - but community efforts are not over yet.

Volunteers are now needed to help landscape the ground and plant shrubs and trees around the site, as well as to paint and decorate the building when it is finished.

Help is also sought for a car parking scheme at The Hay Festival, which is expected to provide major income towards a £50,000 loan personally guaranteed by trustees in order for construction to go ahead.

A coffee morning on April 18 at St John’s Hall in Hay and an open garden at Tyglyn on June 28 have also been arranged.

For more information or to offer your support call John Wilks on 01497 821401 or Neville Jones on 01497 820398.