THE RISING Sun Arts Centre has had a facelift funded by volunteers, Reading Borough Council and the Earley Charity.

After two months of work, the Silver Street centre unveiled newly painted woodwork, drainpipes and a black and gold sign on the door that harks back to the features of the building's previous carnation as a temperance house.

The project cost around £10,000, with half coming from council grants, £2,000 from the Earley Charity and £3,000 from events, including band nights and a balboa dance, organised by volunteers.

Larry Watson, the Centre Manager, said: “We love our building but everyone could see it was in need of a bit of TLC so we are very happy to be able to make these necessary repairs.

“Many people use the centre and we need to preserve the building so that it can continue to be used as a place of creativity by local communities.

“This is part of a schedule of work we are seeking to do over the next few years to protect the building and ensure it serves the people of Reading for many years to come.”

On August 13 the arts centre will host the Here Comes the Sun Festival. For more information, go to www.risingsun-artscentre.co.uk