JULIAN Smith MP visited Bentham where he praised the efforts of volunteers in securing permanent premises for their charitable work.

The volunteer-run Bentham Hub, which was set up just more than a year ago has raised almost £43,000 for local charities and good causes through the sale of donated, second-hand goods from its temporary base in Main Street.

Earlier this year, it started a funding appeal to buy the former Quaker Meeting House in Main Street, most recently a community centre, where it can continue its work, and has just £15,000 left to find in order to buy the property, which is on the market for £70,000.

Mr Smith said:"Bentham Hub have achieved a huge amount for the community in a short period of time and have the promise to do so much more. The move to a new home offers them the opportunity to deliver on that potential."