AN arts centre at the heart of a Tyne Valley village has received a funding boost after being nominated by members of the public.

The Hearth Centre in Horsley has been named as one of 500 winners of the Movement for Good award, receiving £1,000 as a prize.

The centre is one of 500 winners awarded money by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, which is giving £1m to charities this summer.

Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 gifts of £1,000 available for donation.

Pam Hornor, trustee of the Hearth Charity thanked residents who had nominated the arts centre.

She said “Everyone involved in the Hearth Centre is so delighted to share this great news.

“Due to the many nominations we received for an Ecclesiastical Movement For Good award, it has ensured that we have been successful in being awarded £1,000.

“We are so grateful to the many friends of the Hearth for taking the time to nominate us and wish to extend our sincere thanks.

“This funding will help us to resume our community events and activities which have helped to make The Hearth a rich, vibrant and welcoming place for the local and wider community.”

This award will support The Hearth Centre with its Free for Young People project.

The trustees set up and manage special events focussed on offering local youngsters an opportunity to get involved with creative and environmentally friendly activities.

Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical, said: “We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.

“We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our awards.”