TORQUAY'S Acorn Centre is calling for votes to secure a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund and ITV’s The People’s Millions programme for the opportunity of a building transformation.

The community centre, supported by Sanctuary Housing, needs residents to show their support on Monday November 24 when the phone-lines to vote open for less than 24 hours.

The £50,000 funding would support the refurbishment and development of facilities on site, allowing the centre to provide even more valuable services to residents and help continue to make a real positive difference to the local community.

Voting details will be announced on the day – search “Acorn to Oak” on www.peoplesmillions.org.uk, watch ITV West Country News from 6pm or see details in the Daily Mirror.

The Acorn Centre, off Lummaton Cross, has spent more than 50 years delivering youth, community and family services to thousands of residents throughout Torquay’s community, including family workshops, a kids’ club and drop-in sessions.

Marilyn Martin, centre manager, said: “We really hope the community will back us and pick up the phone on November 24. The funding is vital and we’re desperately seeking votes. Everything we do is for the community and discontinuing any of our services is not an option.”

Alison Kenny, Sanctuary’s head of neighbourhood partnerships, added: “We are thrilled to be supporting The Acorn Centre in their People’s Millions mission. The centre acts as an active hub in the busy neighbourhood and many of our residents, young and old, benefit from the services delivered.

“It really is important the centre receives some votes as the funding will secure some exciting community-focused plans – the centre has Sanctuary’s vote.”

Since 2005, the People’s Millions has donated 523 awards worth over £27 million. The project works in partnership with the Big Lottery Fund and ITV, and the public helps decide which community project gets up to £50,000 of National Lottery funding.