A grant of £21,752 has saved Bromyard Heritage Centre from closure.

The Rowberry Street centre, owned by Herefordshire Council and run by volunteers, faced closure last year due to staffing shortages.

The grant, from the Bromyard Area Regeneration Partnership, will cover the cost of employing a full-time member of staff for six months.

It will also pay to refurbish displays and presentations before the summer season begins.

Centre spokesman Lara Latcham said: "Having a member of staff in the centre, previously manned by the generously given time of volunteers, will enable the site to offer more access to visitors and serve the community better.

"Heritage services feel very strongly that the centre is important and its future should be carefully thought about and planned for."

It is hoped the changes will allow community groups and schools to visit and exhibit at the centre.

The council will also carry out a feasibility study into future developments at the centre.

For further information, contact Lara Latcham on 01432 260692 or visit the leisure section at www. herefordshire.gov.uk.