A FUNDRAISING drive to breathe life into a former Andover club has been boosted with a five-figure grant.

Project Breakers Community Interest Company (CIC) has been awarded £16,700 by Hampshire County Council.

The decision will be officially announced by Councillor Keith Chapman, executive member for culture, recreation and countryside at his decision day meeting next Thursday.

The total project costs are estimated to be £158,350 and the £16,700 will go towards installing a passenger lift and fire extinguishers at the former Stryx bowling alley, in Bridge Street.

The project aims to provide bowling alleys, childcare provision, daily events for elderly people and those with disabilities, as well as creating a place for young people to meet.

Anji Gillies, a driving force behind Breakers CIC, told the Advertiser: “We are over the moon that Hampshire County Council has decided to help us with our project.

“With the £5,000 Simplyhealth has recently donated, we are only £14,000 away from opening."

Read more in today's paper.