WATER damage, woodworm and draughts may be banished from Hartley Wintney WI’s headquarters, thanks to a £16,500 grant.

The organisation received the Biffa Award money to renovate its hut in Green Lane, which is in need of repairs due to water damage.

The former First World War army building was originally used on Salisbury Plain. The renovations will start in March and will last up to three weeks.

Roberta Davenport, honorary treasurer of the group, said it is hoped the upgrade will lead to more interest from other village organisations in hiring the hall.

She said: “No work has been done on it since I joined six years ago. This is the biggest project. It is needed as we have had a bit of woodworm and it’s a bit draughty.”

The group, which has 65 members, meets twice a month at the hut. It is also used by a toddler group and the U3A adult learning group.

The grant comes from waste firm Biffa Group Ltd, which awards money to environmental and community projects.

Cath Hare, Biffa Award acting programme manager, said: “Projects like this are incredibly important for local communities, which is why we look to invest in them.”