A LEADING community centre is looking ahead to a bright future after receiving a cash boost.

The Masbro Centre, in Masbro Road, is celebrating this week after winning £75,000 funding from Mayor of London Boris Johnson's 2012 Sports Legacy Fund.

It has struggled with funding cuts in the past 18 months and the West Kensington centre will use the money to fix its leaky roof and repair its damage sports pitch.

Bosses launched a fundraising in January after rainwater threatened to ruin its sports pitch which is used for a variety of activities ranging from football to toddler playtimes.

It raised more than £100,000 and received £20,000 from Hammersmith and Fulham Council, but believe this grant will help secure its long-term future.

Andy Sharpe, chief executive of the Urban Partnership Group which runs the centre, said: “This funding is fantastic news and will regenerate the Masbro Centre, a facility which is used and enjoyed by people from all parts of the community.

"It will ensure that the centre will be fit to serve future generations, and means that we can continue to provide a free sporting venue to local children’s and youth groups. Over 2000 people a week use the Masbro Centre and they will doubtlessly be over the moon that we have secured this much-needed funding.”

"My sports legacy fund was set up to help get more people a chance to try out a range of activities, which is why we are boosting community sport facilities," said Mr Johnson.

Kate Hoey, the Mayor's Commissioner for Sport, said: “The Mayor wants to ensure that once the last Olympic and Paralympic medal has been handed out, our city is remains gripped by sporting fervour.

"We want to drive up sports participation ensuring people, of all ages and abilities, have access to the very best facilities. No host city has ever delivered a sustained increase in improving facilities and participation off the back of the Games. We want to ensure that London becomes the first.”

The centre also opened a modern gym last November after a £9,000 refurbishment. To find out more about their activities and services visit www.upg.org.uk .