A COMMUNITY cafe in the heart of Toothill is celebrating after being awarded a funding boost.

Toothill Community Cafe, which moved back to its original home in the community centre a year ago, has received a £300 donation from the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund.

The cafe, which is run by 10 volunteers and two supervisors, helps the community by training volunteers to take their NVQ qualifications for catering and customer service to help their job prospects.

Trustee Tina Mackie, who has lived in Toothill for 34 years and has been involved with the cafe since it began a decade ago, said: “This donation from the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund couldn’t have come at a better time, as we are a non-profit organisation. “It will enable us to pay for two volunteers to take their NVQ Certificates, which will be a fantastic boost for our volunteers.”

Toothill Community Cafe, which opens three times a week, offers healthy and affordable food to the community.

It offers a friendly environment where customers can socialise, or enjoy a quiet lunch alone.

The cafe had spent two years operating out of the nearby church, but last January it returned to the centre and is continuing to grow in popularity.

Tina said: “We have lots of regular customers and if they don’t come in one week we all wonder where they are, and someone will check they are okay. It’s a great community.

“There is nowhere else around here where you can sit and meet your friends for a coffee.”

Galaxy Hot Chocolate is looking to help small, local community groups and charities across the UK and Ireland by donating cash awards to support warm-hearted people and projects.

The fund will distribute 20 awards to deserving recipients every month and is open for entries until the end of March 31.

Galaxy Hot Chocolate spokeswoman Michelle Frost, said: “The tough economic climate has meant many local community groups and charities are finding it hard to make ends meet. Our hope is that the fund will help support community-minded people and projects across the UK.”

Funding applications can be made by visiting www.hotgalaxy warmheart.com.