The village library will host a new monthly film night on a new smart TV, thanks to funding from Magna Housing Association.

The library has gone through many changes since the Friends of Charmouth Library took it over from the county council two years ago.

They have received several donations and grants, including one from the national lottery, to get the library to the condition it is now in.

The latest contribution has come from Magna, which has donated £2,440 from its community initiative fund (CIF) to buy a new smart TV for the library.

The CIF allocates £120,000 a year to things that will improve the areas where residents live and £30,000 to charities and organisations that provide services of benefit to residents.

Anyone can ask for the funding if they think it will help Magna residents. Hazel Robinson, chairman of Friends of Charmouth Library, applied for the funding as many Magna residents use the library and belong to groups that meet there.

Hazel said: “We’d like to run a film night once per month, where residents can choose the film and spend an evening with their neighbours.

“There’s also an interest in a junior film club too.

“I’d like to thank Magna for the funding as it will make a huge difference to the library and will enable us to do so much more.”

The library will also use the new TV to aid its ‘computers for the terrified’ course and as a presentation screen for other groups held in the library.

Ken Bodycombe, community investment officer at Magna, said: “We’re trying to get people involved in the community.

“This project helps to encourage people to get out and spend time with their neighbours to prevent social isolation.”

John Coombe, Magna resident and CIF forum member, said that Magna felt the village library was something they should support, because it showed what can be done when a community gets behind a project.

For more information about the launch of the new film night, or any other activities held at Charmouth Library, email Hazel Robinson at hazelrosery@aol.com or visit charmouth villagelibrary.org.uk If your community has an idea for a project or an area that could be improved, it may qualify for CIF funding. To find out more and get an application form, contact Ken Bodycombe on 01305 216095 or email ken.bodycombe @magna.org.uk.