A brand new 500 Club has been launched to help improve theatre and leisure facilities in Bishop's Castle.

The SpArC Charity is asking people to join as members to help raise up to £20,000 annually.

Ruth Houghton, trustee and secretary, said: "By raising a regular income we can continue to invest in the centre for the benefit of everyone in the local community.

"The centre has been greatly missed during lockdown and this 500 Club launch coincides with the wider re-opening of the leisure centre, pool and theatre"

For less than £2 per week supporters can help SpArC by buying a ticket which will be entered into the newly launched 500 Club. Draws will take place 12 times a year, each with six prize-winners. Prize money will be determined by the number of draw tickets sold in the previous month. there will also be a jackpot draw at Christmas. The first draw will take place at the beginning of July.

Club members can buy draw tickets through monthly standing order payments of £8 each. More information, including membership application forms, are available from the SpArC reception desk in Enterprise House. A form can also be downloaded from www.savethesparc.org