WORDSLEY volunteers got to enjoy a special feast on May 7 to celebrate scooping almost £35,000 in grants.

The money raised has helped to refurbish Holy Trinity Church Hall which was in need of an upgrade.

More than 70 people raised a glass with invited guests and community members to toast the success of their fundraising project.

Committed volunteers applied for refurbishment grants when they were told that the hall’s current facilities didn’t meet environmental standards.

Their fundraising efforts paid off with Ibstock Corey Environmental Trust awarding £25,000, a Garfied Weston Foundation grant for £5,000 and a Council grant for £4,250.

The money has been used to pay for new kitchen and disabled toilet facilities which were officially opened at the celebratory meal, raising even more money for refurbishments.

Over 500 people already use the much loved hall each week and members hope that their refurbishments will encourage even more people to get involved.

Mother and toddler groups use the hall every day and evenings are busy with dance, diet and fitness activities.

Volunteer fundraiser and church warden Roger Biddlecombe said: “Our new kitchen will be used for everything from making cups of tea for the blood transfusion service, to serving up meals for a pensioners’ luncheon club that we are hoping to launch in the near future.

We are looking forward to even more groups coming to join us.”

For more information or to get involved with fundraising, the church can be contacted on 01384 273221 or emailed at office@wordsley- parish.co.uk