The committee behind the Mintlaw and Central Buchan Initiative (MACBI), were celebrating last night after hearing they had been awarded £452,000 towards the creation of new community facilities.

The group is hoping to build a £2million community centre on land near Mintlaw Academy, and it is now hoped that work can begin on the project by the end of this year, thanks to the grant aid.

Speaking to the Buchanie on Thursday, Councillor Norman Smith, who is a member of MACBI, said he was "delighted" that the grant had been awarded, particularly given the fact the project had been rejected for Lottery funding at the end of last year.

It is now believed the group has around three-quarters of the £1million needed for work to begin on the project.

Local chartered quantity surveyor John Pascoe, who is also a member of MACBI, added: "We now want local groups interested in using the facility to come forward and help us - they can still have an influence on the design of the centre.

"Things are really going to start moving now and hopefully we will get a spade in the ground by the end of the year."

The new facility is to be built close to the grounds of Mintlaw Academy, adjacent to its new all-weather pitch.

Once complete, it will provide meeting rooms, a hall with the capacity for 350 people, a multi-gym and a lounge as well as changing facilities and a viewing gallery for the all-weather pitch.

The ground is owned by Aberdeenshire Council, which is willing to lease out the land for the project. The group already has planning permission for the centre.

Mr Pascoe added: "The centre will get built whatever the budget - whether that be £1million or £2million."

For more information about the centre visit www.mintlaw-community-project.org.uk