ILMINSTER Arts Centre has been shortlisted to receive a funding award and is looking for your votes.

The centre has been chosen as one of three local charities to receive an award from the NatWest Community Fund and needs as many votes as possible before this Friday.

After a few difficult months and concerns over the future of the arts venue on East Street the news could not have come at a better time.

The charity or project with the most votes in the area will receive £3,000 with the two runners up receiving £1,000 each.

Christine Walker, treasurer of Ilminster Arts Centre explained how the money would be spent should they win the top prize.

Christine said: “Following the very successful Ilminster Big Draw event - we would like to spend the money putting on more workshops for children and young people.

“We are also very keen to reach out to local schools and get them involved in activities at the arts centre.”

The money would also be used to improve some of the centre’s facilities, including the heating in the main hall.

Christine added: “We really need the local community to get behind us so we can provide them with an arts centre that they can feel proud of. We want to make it easier for local people to have access to the arts in the heart of their town.

“As a small charity it is going to be difficult for us going up against two other charities that are much bigger than us.

"But the support we have received following the recent break-in proves that community spirit is flourishing in Ilminster and we want to appeal to everyone who is keen to see the centre survive to support us by voting for us.”

You can vote for Ilminster Arts Centre by completing a voting slip on site or at your local branch of Natwest or by clicking on the Natwest Community Fund link below. Votes must be received by Friday, November 26.