PEOPLE with mobility problems will once again be able to use Dulverton Town Hall after a dedicated fundraising campaign to replace a disabled lift.

The previous lift was plagued with problems, despite only being installed in 2000, and the hall committee has spent £4,000 in just three years trying to repair it.

Now the £16,000 has been found to replace it, including a £5,370 grant from Age UK Somerset and £5,000 raised through a supper and auction of promises organised by Chris Dubery in April.

Next Friday, Libby Lisgo, the age charity's chief executive, will be called on to officially open the new lift, watched by supporters.

"We were delighted to be able to help in a small way with the installation of this facility in Dulverton Town Hall.

"We are not usually a grant making charity but on this occasion we were able to use a pot of money which was earmarked for use in the Dulverton area.

"We hope many older people will find easier access in future as a result."

Hall committee member Jan Ross said the old lift had not been "fit for purpose" and said Exmoor National Park Authority had also had to replace the same type of lift in their offices after it was beset with problems.