Tarporley's 17th-century Done Room has had a huge funding boost which has taken it a step closer to being saved.

Since 1636, generations of children from the picturesque Cheshire village used the building for a range of activities.

However, the cost of essential repairs and other work put its future in doubt.

£180,000 is needed to completed the project, but that has nearly been raised as a result of funding, with the largest contribution of £94,728 from the FCC Communities Foundation.

This funding means that the work can kick off in July, and the hub for groups and church gatherings will be running again in September.

Rev Jim Bridgman, rector of Tarporley parish, expressed his excitement saying: "We are thrilled to have received such generous funding from FCC Communities Foundation and a grant from the Ursula Keyes Trust for £22,950 to complete the internal works and £19,000 from the National Lottery CF Awards For All for the kitchen.

"The project will provide a real boost to the people of Tarporley where the Done Room has played a pivotal role in the community.

"The work will help to ensure the Done Room continues to be useable for future generations as well as undergoing necessary modernising of parts of the building including accessible fire escapes which were not top of the building requirements in 1636!"

Penny Horne, FCC communities foundation grant manager, said: "We’re delighted to be supporting the Tarporley Done Room project and pleased our funding will make such a difference to so many groups of people within Tarporley and the surrounding villages.

"FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and we’re looking forward to this one having a positive impact very soon."

Although much of the target sum has been achieved, a further £20,000 is still needed.

To bridge this gap, donations can be made through JustGiving at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/doneroomrenovation.