Campaigners battling to save a community hall have been given extra time to reach their fundraising target after an overwhelmingly successful opening to their campaign.

The battle to Save Exeter Street Hall in Brighton has raised £120,000 in just six weeks by selling shares to 500 members of the community.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, businessman Mike Holland and crime writer Peter James were among the first to back the campaign and buy shares.

Now organisers have been given a boost by St Luke's Church whose vicar Martin Poole announced last week the deadline to raise the £200,000 needed would be extended until January 31.

Rev Poole told campaign organisers that the church had been hugely impressed with the campaign in the manner it had engaged and mobilised the local community and businesses.

Paul Winter, chair of The Hall Get Involved said: “The overwhelming public support for this campaign shows the importance that this building has for so many people.

"We have a good relationship with St Luke's but this is a true indicator of their support for the project.

"We are delighted by the news and are very confident that this will now allow us to succeed in the continuation of Exeter Street Hall for the community’s use now and for generations to come.

"It is vital that people continue to buy shares to help make this vision a reality."

The group will be hosting a meeting on at Exeter Street Hall 5pm and a food and drink market on November 24 from 11am to 2pm.

To register for shares go to www.exeterstreethall.org.

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