The well used community facility will receive £3,220 from WREN, a waste recycling scheme that turns landfill tax credits into grants for good causes, and £7,332 from the National Lottery.

The cash splash will enable the installation of a new kitchen, as well as hot water and heating in the toilets.

WI committee member Laura Reilly said: "We're absolutely thrilled.
"These are essential works for the WI Hall, and to get hot water in the toilets is very important. We're really excited and the money will be put to good use."

The WI Hall, which is used for meetings, classes and a playgroup, narrowly missed out on more than £7,500 worth of EPAC funding, distributed by Groundwork, after an application was held over for a second time to be considered with the next round of funding.

Laura said: "It's really disappointing for us. We had hoped to use the money for a garden area at the back of the building with all different things for the children. We will continue applying for the money through other sources."

The vital community facility was saved from closure in 2006 when a new committee stepped in to take over the running of the hall after the previous WI members felt they could no longer continue. Renovations were started the same year when the hall was rewired, and students on the Global Xchange programme painted the interior as part of a community workshop.

The hall floor was sanded and varnished in February this year, cavity wall insulation was added and out-of-date urinals were removed to make way for new baby changing facilities.

A WI rally featuring singer Laurie Briggs will take place at the hall tonight from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3.

* Fairburn Recreation Centre also received National Lottery funding worth £9,300 in the latest round of grants.