COMMUNITY fundraisers are enjoying the sweet smell of success after smashing a target to fix their drains.

Exeter Street Hall organisers have raised more than £7,000 to fund a project to repair the Victorian drains at the site.

The money was raised in part thanks to one generous benefactor who gave £3,000 to the cause after being impressed by the enthusiasm of one of the hall’s volunteers.

The group, who had raised £150,000 last year to keep the 140-year-old Brighton hall as a community space, had set themselves the target of raising £5,500 in 30 days in an appeal launched last month.

Money was also brought in by the hall’s hosting of three World Cup football match screenings, a Panini sticker swap, a comedy night and an elaborate five-course banquet which combined, brought in £3,500.

Organisers say the fundraising will continue with a project to renovate a back room at the hall.

The hall will have a grand re-opening in September after the fitting of a new £50,000 roof, funded by a successful lottery bid, and there are also plans to hold a month of music in October. Anyone wishing to help is asked to visit www.exeterstreethall.org/donating or email volunteer@ exeterstreethall.org.