THE youth centre in Colyton has received around a �20,000 cash injection to build photo voltaic panels to aid the sustainability of the building.

The �500,00 Reece Strawbridge Centre, which also offers facilities for Scouts, pre-school children and football and community groups, has been given the funding by a locally-managed grants scheme.

Making it Local, offered through the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty funds, incorporates cash from the EU, Defra, the South West Rural Development Agency and Leader Plus money.

Councillor Paul Diviani, Making it Local chairman, said: “We are pleased to help support this innovative and sustainable multi-use community centre.

“The PV panels will contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the centre.”

Claire Mountjoy, a centre trustee, worked for six months to secure the money – which is about 69 per cent of the overall cost.

She said: “We tried to get other funds nationally, but were turned down - until this local fund accepted us, which is fantastic.

“We felt we were doing a such a positive thing for the youth of Colyton that we thought we should have a positive affect on the environment.”

The panels are expected to heat the water, under floor heating and run electricity for lighting.