Film-lovers in west Norfolk may be able to watch movies nearer to home if a group gets £500,000 funding to build a new community hub.

Wereham village hall management committee's first application for funding via the Reaching Communities Big Lottery Fund has been approved, and it will now submit a second bid for the money.

The committee currently meets in a wooden YMCA hut that dates back to the First World War and, because of its age and fragility, there are restrictions on its use.

Committee chairman Victoria Gray said: 'We are trying to get £500,000 in funding, but the whole project would cost about £1m. If we get the money, we can try to get other grants, and we are fundraising as well.

'This community space is vital to our rural community. We've consulted with people from the surrounding villages to identify what they need. They told us they want opportunities to socialise, and for physical activity, and would like a village cinema and the opportunity to learn new skills. To meet these needs, we need to build a new community hub.

'It will incorporate a village cinema with about 120 seats. This would show youth films and matinées for older people. 'It will be a village cinema, and nothing like the Majestic in King's Lynn. But it will be for the surrounding villages as well as for people in Wereham. The only cinema in the area is in King's Lynn.'

The group needs to submit its second application by July 28 and should find out the result by mid-November.

Are you awaiting the results of a grant application to improve your community? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk