Swindon's Open Door Centre has been granted more than £131k in National Lottery funding for adults with learning difficulties.

The cash injection comes from the National Lottery Community Fund, the UK's largest community funder, which hands out money raised by players for beneficial causes.

Based in Gorse Hill, the Open Door Centre is renowned for its work with adults with learning disabilities.

The group convenes for fun activities, advice, and encouragement that helps to improve both their physical and mental well-being.

The centre's activities notably include public performances from the Open Door Choir and dance troupe.

They were most recently showcased at Swindon's Famous Duck Race and are set to grace the Swindon Dance's Strictly Swindon event on July 19.

The centre has plans to use the funding to strengthen partnerships with similar organisations.

This collaborative approach will allow for an expansion of activities and opportunities for members.

Over its lifetime, the charity has aimed to give a lifeline in times of need for vulnerable people.

This new funding aims to ensure the stability of these key services in the coming years.

Marking her 35th year as manager, Jenny Stacey said: "We're delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to develop plans to ensure Open Door can keep going for the next 40 years.

"Our members are involved in all decision-making at the Centre and have a wish list of things they need to achieve their highest potential.

"Hopefully, working with others in the learning disability community, we will be able to make these things happen for them."

Derek Fry, chair of the trustees, said: "All small charities are facing similar challenges at the moment, so this support from The National Lottery Community Fund is so important.

"The cost of living crisis and strain on social care budgets means that collaborative working and partnerships are even more important in providing high-quality, person-centred services for adults with learning disabilities.

"We look forward to seeing what opportunities will arise from this support."

The allotment comes on the back of the National Lottery Community Fund's newly launched strategy, 'It starts with community'.

This guarantees that at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding will be disbursed by 2030.

National Lottery players currently raise over £30 million weekly for good causes within the UK, culminating in over half a billion pounds (£615.4 million) distributed last year alone.