A GROUP which prides itself on being the heart of the community has been awarded nearly half a million pounds to help improve the lives of disabled people in the town.

Redditch Youth and Community Enterprise (RYCE) has been awarded £452,166 in National Lottery funding.

The money will go toward vital repairs and improvements to the REDI Centre, so the group can continue to support the local community.

Chairman Ray Groves said: "I do think this will be a great improvement for Redditch.

"The improvements will make the building a lot warmer and more comfortable, but most importantly it will be accessible to everyone.

"We want to get to the point where everyone coming in has the same access - whether you are disabled, in a wheelchair, or not, you'll be able to go everywhere and do everything."

Work will include replacing every single window and door in the three separate buildings that make up the REDI Centre, a lift, disabled access toilet on every floor,

and a new kitchen so that coffee mornings and lunch clubs can be held.

The garden and other toilet facilities will be improved to encourage mother and toddler groups to visit and an official changing place (a well equipped disabled toilet) will be installed.

Mr Groves admitted that the group took the "long route" round to get the cash.

"It has taken us over two years and a lot of prep work to get this far," he said.

"We had to prove the need for all the work."

He added: "It's a very exciting time but also a bit daunting. We've got to do quite a lot of work, we just hope we're making the right decisions."

It is hoped the work will be completed and the end of next year.

Activities will continue to be held such as quiz nights, band practices, yoga, computer groups and first aid courses.

Redditch Youth and Community Enterprise aims to be the hub of a vibrant community environment, enabling everyone to have the tools to achieve their aspirations; to become fully sustainable; and to ensure the highest social value is achieved.