THE restoration of an ancient village spa might be given a Christmas present.

Funding the whole project was likely to cost about £7,000, of which members had raised £3,700, Coun Jack Diamond told Gainford and Langton Parish Council on Monday.

Following a visit by Mr Mark Robson of the Rural Communities Council, an application for further grant aid had been sent to a charity in London. Coun Diamond had received "a not discouraging letter" to say that grants of £10,000 were available for this kind of project and a decision could be made within two months.

"It was a simple application so we should have a decision before Christmas," he added.

Coun Newman Smith had prepared a detailed drawing and they had met blacksmith Mr Brian Russell at the spa, who was going to come up with proposals.

The scheme comprised the restoration of the missing upper bowl and replacement of a metal standpipe to the original Victorian design. But other things members would like were paving, putting boulders where a landslip had occurred and a retaining wall with a flat top to make a seat.

Following an article in the parish magazine, Coun Diamond had received a gift from a resident. Coun Smith suggested including a brass plate in the paving to carry the names of donors and the idea was mooted of also allowing private contributors, who made a significant donation, to have their name on the plate if they so wished.

A figure of £50 was mentioned, but would be fully discussed later.