Wingate community centre saved by National Lottery funding

The money will help the parish council hire a manager and put on more events in the hall.

“It is first and foremost a social gathering place for the community,” Reid said.

“That is one of the things that the National Lottery wants to see more of.”

Nicholson said when she heard rumours of the centre shutting “it was a big shock” and she felt sick.

She believes it is important for keeping the community spirit of Wingate alive.

“It keeps people in touch, some of the people who come to the play group are new mothers who don’t know anybody in the village so they make friends,” she said.