A PROJECT to build a new community and arts centre in Pershore has been given another boost thanks to a £15,000 grant.

Number 8, a charitable limited company in High Street, Pershore, will use the grant to replace age-old cast iron gas boilers at its premises with a new energy-efficient heating system.

The grant was provided by Welcome to Our Future, which manages the landfill tax credit scheme in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Last year, the charity also donated £50,000 to the centre towards the cost of roof structures.

"We are absolutely delighted with this latest grant from Welcome to Our Future," said Ray Steadman, managing director of Number 8.

"It's particularly generous of them, having already given a grant to us last year."

Number 8 has been based at the old Co-op building in High Street for the past five years as it undertakes a £1.2m project to redevelop the building into a community and arts centre.

The builders are now about to start work on the project, which will include an auditorium for films, plays and dance and a room for ballet, yoga and keep fit.

Half of the money for the scheme will be raised by Number 8 through sales from its charity shop on the premises, while £100,000 has come from Pershore Town Council.

Advantage West Midlands has given a grant of £162,000, while the remaining funds have come from other charitable trusts.