A community centre has avoided temporary closure after smashing an ambitious fundraising target in just seven weeks.

At the end of April, the Alice Cross Centre in Teignmouth warned users that it may be forced to suspend operations until it could raise enough money to replace its outdated fire alarm system.

However, by mid-June the Alice Cross had generated more than £7,000 for its Safety First campaign, meaning the fire alarm system can now be upgraded to ensure the safety of everyone who walks through the centre’s doors..

‘This wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing community coming together,’ said a spokesperson from the Alice Cross Centre. ‘Thank-you to everyone who supported this campaign,’ the spokesperson added.