Plans to restore an old village primary school have taken a big step forward since residents were successful in raising funds from West Lindsey District Council and the go-ahead to apply for a major Lottery Heritage grant.

If successful, these grants will fund the complete restoration of the Grade II Listed property, bringing Legsby Old School back into community use, after standing empty for decades.

The Old School was built in 1850 to educate the adults and children of the parish. Following the construction of the current primary school in 1911, the Old School was only occasionally used and gradually fell into disrepair.

In 2014, an enthusiastic and dedicated group of local residents began the ambitious task of restoring the Old School to create a community centre.

Janis Bowley, secretary of the charity, explains: “Legsby is a large rural parish which currently has no village hall. The refurbished Old School will provide a much-needed community facility.

"The building is not safe to use at the moment but in recent years we've used the grounds for a variety of community fundraising events such as apple pressing, picnics, plant sales and music events.

"Once the restoration work is finished we will develop a well-used community centre and hall for Legsby Primary School. We'll also create a permanent display showing the history of the Old School and Legsby parish, including the story of conscientious objectors who settled and farmed here during the Second World War. If anyone has photos or memories of the Old School or life in Legsby, we’d love to hear from you.”

More information about the Legsby Old School project and contact details may be found on the Legsby Old School Community Centre website: www.legsby.wordpress.com