A community centre that offers everything from bingo and dancing to self-defence classes and skittles for the disabled is the latest organisation to enter the Post's Building Healthy Communities competition.

Warmley Community Centre, in Deanery Road, needs a makeover to its administration office and main hall.

The centre, which opened in 1946, last had a revamp 15 years ago.

Linda Sims, a part-time administrator at the centre, said both rooms needed work on them.

Mrs Sims, 55, of Orchard Boulevard, Oldland Common, said: "We have all sorts of things going on here at the centre, but we really need things updating.

"The administration office is the first point of contact for people coming in, but it is in dire need of a makeover.

"There is paint peeling off the walls and the carpet is very tatty and has a big hole gouged out of it.

"If it was a bit more up-together and nicer it would be more appealing for people when they come in and book the hall."

The main hall, which is also used by the WRVS, a deaf club and art groups, also needs a freshen-up.

Mrs Sims said: "There is paper hanging off the walls, it is grubby and dark and the paint is peeling off as well.

"We would be over the moon to have the work done.

"The centre would be a nicer environment to work in and it would be nicer for people who use the facilities in here."

The Post's Building Healthy Communities competition, sponsored by Leadbitter, gives community groups and schools the chance to win a share of £16,000 for improvements.

Leadbitter regional director Rob Bradley said: "Warmley Community Centre obviously provides a home to wide range of healthy activities and would clearly benefit from a cosmetic makeover.

"I hope that the community of Warmley will support the bid to win one of the prizes, making the use of the centre a far more enjoyable experience."

The competition is being run in two stages.

The first, which runs until August, will be for everyone from community groups to sports clubs and fitness groups, while the second, running in January next year, will be for schools.

There are three prizes for each of the two competitions, worth £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000.

The only condition is that the project must involve activities promoting healthy living, and that the building work can be carried out within a day.

So whether you are a sports club in need of new showers, a fitness group wanting hand rails to help the elderly or a community group wanting a lick of paint on your dance hall walls, you can apply for a share of the prize money.

The deadline for entries is May 31.