A VALLEYS community group is trying to raise £100,000 to buy its village hall and is appealing for help to get them to their target.

The Manmoel Welfare Association took the decision to start fundraising two years ago and has until next year to come up with the cash when their lease with owners Penllwyn Estates runs out.

Members are currently around half way towards their target, raising money through fundraisers at the village hall, such as history talks, choirs and a harvest supper.

They have also raised £32,000 in grant money from a Caerphilly Council Rural Development Programme grant, as well as donations from Argoed community council and the Welsh church fund.

Association secretary, Joan Davies, said: "It's surprising how many people are prepared to help, which is great."

The group is waiting to hear back from a number of grant applications to help reach the total.

It is hoped they can take over the building, which the association has leased since 1952.

Mrs Davies, 64, added: "We don't know what would happen otherwise, we want to keep it as a village hall, we don't want to see it closed. It's the only community building up here and we want to keep it."

The hall also doubles as a vestry for the chapel and is used by groups for events.

At the moment, the association, which has been going since 1952, pays £560 per year to lease the building and is responsible for its upkeep.

Mrs Davies added: "It's an important fixture because we've got nowhere else up here so we use the hall for everything - it means a lot to the people up here. We hope we can make it in time, we've got our fingers crossed, we're trying everything we possibly can. We would be thrilled if we get it."

Anyone who would like to donate to the fund an e-mail tonyrefailfarm@aol.com