THE multi-million-pound renovation of a Helensburgh community centre for the families of serving Navy personnel has received a significant funding boost.

The redevelopment of the Drumfork Club in Churchill Square, which is due to reopen in 2019, has been helped by a £30,000 contribution by the Royal Naval Association (RNA).

After falling into disrepair following years of heavy use, it will now be rejuvenated by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), their key strategic partner Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Naval Association.

Paul Quinn, general secretary of the RNA, said: “The RNA is delighted to provide a kick-start donation of £30,000 for the Drumfork Club project.

“This is an inspirational project that will benefit all parts of the naval family in Faslane.

“As an ex-Faslane submariner, I am very aware that supporting naval families is vitally important when loved ones are dived on operations and out of contact.

“We all know that it is way past time that the club is modernised and we look forward to seeing it in full swing before too long.”

The modernisation project, which has an estimated cost of around £3 million, will see an expected 2,000 users per month visit the facility.

It will provide a number of facilities that will benefit both the serving and local community including a self-contained registered day nursery, a coffee shop, chapel and multi-activity spaces for groups.

The centre’s renovation was originally due to be completed in the summer.