A YORK village is set to receive a new community centre - thanks to a National Lottery grant.

Heworth Without Community Centre Association, has been awarded £210,108, by the National Lottery's Community Fund, to pull down the current centre and construct a new building complete with furniture.

The 15-year-old centre currently serves as a base for many community groups, including yoga, sewing, dance and 1960s clubs, parish council meetings, forums and children's parties.

Chairman of the trustees, Les Battams, said the application involved a lot of hard work and dedication.

He said: "We had to submit plans about how we looked to the future for the next three years and how we hope to increase our numbers.

"We're delighted to get the money. This is what it's all about - community, from cradle to the grave."

Mr Battams said he hoped the new centre would appeal to residents of all ages and provide services ranging from christening parties to wakes.

The Community Foundation, based at Primrose Hill, Stamford Bridge, has topped up the grant with a further £15,000 towards furnishings. Building work will begin in August.

The association will now begin the task of re-housing the groups that use the centre, until the new building is completed in January.

The association is one of 18 community groups throughout Yorkshire and the Humber to receive the grant.

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, May 20, 2003