Fundraisers have helped save North Notts Arena by raising more than £22,000

The North Nottinghamshire Arena charity, which runs the facility in Eastgate thanks to support grants, says 112,890 visitors were welcomed to the venue in 2017 .

However the sports and community hub sees a drop in visitors during the summer months so a target to raise £15,000 was set by residents to help the venue.

And thanks to various fundrasing efforts including a gofundme page, donations from businesses and collections the target was reached and then smashed with a total of £22,690 raised.

Worksop resident, Ian Robertshaw, said: “The attention drawn to this campaign by the original story has been amazing.

“Many, many people have asked me about how it was going?

“However what was more surprising to me was the number of people who knew of the Arena but never realised just how many people regularly use it.

“Two large donations from ex-worksopians enabled us to smash the original target and will allow the Arena to refill its reserves to hopefully ensure this is a one off event.”

Nigel Turner from North Notts Arena, said: “I’ve been involved and led this charitable project for over 15 years now and the amount of support from our local community never ceases to amaze me, without that support we wouldn’t be here today.

“The local community support was there at the beginning all those years ago, and today, in our hour of need, it’s there and stronger than ever, which is clearly demonstrated by these very kind donations.

“I believe this is a great example of how our local community value the Arena, which today is recognised as a vital, diverse and vibrant community hub.

“The Arena and all its staff have always offered a welcoming and supportive hand to all members of our local community, young, old, disabled we value your support and long may that continue.

“I would personally like to thank both Ian Robertshaw and Craig Buckingham for their exceptionally kind contribution, both in effort and generosity, thank you to you both.

“To finish, from myself Nigel Turner and all the Arena staff, can we yet again say thank you, to all the local community for their continued support, don’t forget, we wouldn’t be here without you.”

For more information about North Notts Arena has to offer and what it happening over the summer visit www.nnca.info.