A LEGACY donation from an ex-volunteer has played a vital role in the creation of a new community facility near Mansion House.

Phyllis Pope, who passed away in December 2013 aged 85, had been a stalwart with the local branch of Age UK and left a donation of £10,000 for the organisation after her death.

And Age UK Mid Mersey has used the money, along with a grant from the national Age UK organisation to create the Phyllis Pope Studio, next to the entrance of The Mansion House. The facility offers community rooms to provide a lasting tribute and vital resource for the community.

Phyllis, from Nutgrove, was involved with the Claughton Street charity shop between 1991 and 2004 and was well-loved in the organisation.

The premises, formerly an eyesore used as a storage garage, has been renovated and named in Phyllis' honour, and will deliver a range of facilities and activities offering access for small community groups and the voluntary, community and faith sector.

"I’m delighted to see the building fully renovated and cleaned up," said Age UK Mid Mersey chief executive Mark Lunney.

"I’m even more pleased that we can provide such a very cheap and affordable community facility for other small groups and charities to use pretty much seven days per week including evening and weekend use.

"All we ask from people is to make a modest donation of their choice towards maintaining the

studio and keeping it clean.

"The work was only made possible by a very generous legacy from Phyllis Pope, one of our loyal volunteers. We wanted to be sure local people benefited from this legacy."

The studio has a large open room, with two break-out rooms and tables and chairs and can hold up to 40 people.

Julie Denham, of Age UK Mid Mersey added: "Phyllis was a local person who was with us for quite a period of time. She was regarded as a great volunteer and she would be very pleased with how the money has been spent."

Sessions and access can be booked in advance at the reception at The Mansion House by calling 01744 752 644. Reasonable donations can be made in cash, by text or by bank transfer.

For further information, visit www.themansionhouse.org.uk or email enquiries@aukmm.org.uk.