FUNDRAISERS are celebrating after receiving more than £24,000 in pledges to secure the future of a community hub.

The Witham Community Hub, which is based at the Newland Shopping Centre, will stay open following the bid to raise money to pay for the two-year lease.

£24,857 was needed to secure its future initially until a rethink by owners New River Retail which meant cash for just one year was needed.

However, money to secure the building for the second year has now also been donated.

The Witham Chamber of Commerce has been supporting the hub in its efforts to raise the money and chairman Tina Townsend said she was thrilled to have helped raise the money.

She said: "We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has come forward to help us keep the hub going.

"It really is an important facility for so many people in Witham and it's brilliant that it we've hit the target."

Essex County Council donated £10,000 to the cause while some Braintree district councillors used their grant scheme cash to contribute more than £2,000.

It means weekly events such as Crafty Cafe and Monday Meetup will be able to continue.