Villagers of Godolphin are clubbing together in a bid to save their chapel and transform it into a community centre.

Godolphin Methodist Church is due to close this Sunday, removing the last community facility from the village.

In the last five years Godolphin has lost its shop, pub and library service and as a result the chapel had been an essential hub for the community.

It currently houses two youth groups, a gardening club and the What’s on Wednesday group, a lunch and activity club for older people, as well as being the meeting place for the Women’s Institute, a regular village coffee morning and a part-time Post Office service – all of which will be left without a home after this weekend.

Hope is on the horizon, however, after a packed public meeting resulted in the village vowing to try and raise the money to buy the chapel to turn into a community centre.

The meeting last Monday, organised by the Godolphin Cross Community Association and chaired by Richard McKie, was standing room only and the vast majority of those attending were in favour of the scheme, which could even result in a shop returning to the village.

Ann Dyke, from the community association, said afterwards: “It was great to see so many people. “When the chapel closes and goes out of use for the village that will be a bad day for Godolphin's people, young and old. “Village residents were invited to come and have their say, and discuss the ways forward - including the possibility of expanding and developing the chapel into a well-run and much needed community centre, offering new services to the youngest and oldest in the village.

“The meeting was to gauge how much support there would be from the village, and if it really wants to be a good community to live in, or just a dormitory village.”

Those attending were able to see a slide show of a similar scheme already running at the Trinity Centre at Newlyn, with the minister there Julian Drew explaining the work that took place to get it up and running.

It is now up to the village to raise an initial £15,000 to get the project off the ground.

Mrs Dyke said: “It is time for our village to become a proper community and we all have to pull together. We hope to involve as many in the village as possible, and if you have a skill, talent or are keen to help in any way please get in touch.”

Those willing to help can contact Richard McKie on 07479 969334 or Paul Gray on 01736 762059, visit godolphincross.org.uk or speak to any other community association member.