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Activities centre hits £500k target to stay open

BBC The courtyard at Calvert Exmoor is surrounded by a two-storey building made from stone which features a belltower above a large double door. There are gardens of shrubs and pathways made of slabs in the foreground.BBC
The charity said it had been at risk of permanent closure

An outdoor adventure centre for people with disabilities has raised £500,000 to stay open.

Calvert Exmoor, in Devon, has offered activities for people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities for about 30 years.

The charity had said it was at risk of permanent closure if it was unable to raise £500,000.

Jenny Young, Calvert Exmoor centre director, said she was "absolutely thrilled" the target had been hit and the centre would be open on Sunday.

Jenny Young wearing a Calvert Exmoor T-shirt is standing outside the front door of the activity centre smiling at the camera
Ms Young said a donation from a family had carried the appeal to its target

Ms Young said: "We can't believe the wave of support we've seen in these last three weeks.

"We want to thank each and every one of you who donated and helped us achieve this amazing target."

She explained the centre had received a range of donations but one was particularly significant.

She said: "We've had big and small donations, and we had a major donation last night from a family who really value this centre that tipped us over the edge."

The Voices of Exmoor choir singing in a hall. There is a conductor in the foreground and someone playing a piano.
The Voices of Exmoor choir held a 24-hour singathon to raise funds for the centre

The target was hit as the Voices of Exmoor choir held a 24-hour singathon to raise funds for the centre.

It was due to end at 18:00 BST on Saturday at Dulverton Town Hall.

Ms Young said reaching the target had "given us the confidence to drive a significant change to the business and cement our future so we are never in this kind of financial crisis again".

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