THE Courtenay Centre is pressing ahead with a badly-needed refurbishment thanks to receiving a grant of £120,000 from Viridor Credits.

The exceptionally large award was granted after lobbying on their behalf by Ugbrooke Environment Ltd, the body which distributes landfill tax to local environment and community projects. It is the highest level of 'top up' funding that Viridor has awarded to a Teignbridge project.

Earlier this week, Bernard Moore, Viridor's Project Inspector, visited the centre. Cheryl Drye said: 'He realised that it is a busy centre but is desperately outdated.'

The centre caters for around 40 organisations doing everything from kung fu to lace-making, slimming clubs to dog training. It is also a popular venue for private parties and anniversaries.

The £500,000 scheme includes a new entrance foyer/exhibition area, additional rooms, a lift and upgrade of the main hall.

Mrs Drye said that the plans will soon be going out to tender, with work expected to start in the summer. She said she hopes the work will be phased, so that the centre can remain open throughout.

Mr Reed also visited Kingsteignton Scout Hut which has recently undergone a transformation, thanks to the efforts of volunteers.

At its board meeting last month, Ugbrooke Environmental Limited handed out another £85,000. A record 14 organisations put in bids for funds.

The lucky projects include: Teignskate, Teignmouth (£18,000), Headlands Playing Fields (£14,000), Decoy BMX Club (£10,000), Bakers Park, Newton Abbot (£10,000), Kingsteignton Swimming Pool (£4,000) and Kingsteignton Scout Hut (£3,500).