THE small north Pembrokeshire community of Llanrhian is celebrating a cash boost from the latest round of lottery funding.

Llanrhian Church Community Hall has been awarded a grant of £2,743 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All Wales Programme.

The money is to be used to provide much needed storage space in the loft and hall, and for internal redecoration.

The community hall is in constant use by the local community with such activities as Scottish country dancing, birthday parties, family functions, community meetings and other events.

A community lunch, which is open to all, is provided twice a month serving delicious food to more than 40 people who gather to enjoy an exchange of conversation and companionship.

It is also used regularly by the church for refreshments after concerts and services, various meetings, the spring fair, the summer fete and other events.

The hall’s previous use was as the Llanrhian National School, which was opened in 1852. In 1970, after the opening of the new school in Croesgoch, the church was granted the school building in perpetuity for use as a church hall. Major renovations took place some 10 years ago and it has become a valuable community asset.

The vicar, the Reverend Don MacGregor, said: “We are delighted with this award from the Big Lottery as it will keep this building fresh and functional for all the activities for which it is used."

He added: "It is a central and well-used venue for our local community.”