THE cash-strapped Hollies Community Hub in Musselburgh has received a vital cash boost of nearly £30,000.

Queensberry House Trust, which supports older people and their carer, has allocated the High Street facility a grant from its 25th anniversary awards.

Liz Shannon, manager at the Hollies, thanked the trust for its £29,900 in funding, adding: “This grant is for the salaries of our bus staff, which is a vital service to enable us to bring in vulnerable and socially isolated people to our lunch club.”

She said: “We are hoping, as we go forward, to have similar success with other funding applications submitted to allow us to continue to serve the local community through this difficult time, especially as we go into an uncertain winter with rising costs on utilities and food.

“The Hollies has always been a safe, warm environment for people to meet and is even more valuable now than ever. Please continue to support us.”

Fresh fears about the survival of the Hollies were raised recently and its hairdresser’s salon shut after 30 years.

READ MORE: Fears The Hollies Community Hub could close by the end of the year

Ms Shannon warned that there was a “strong possibility” the much-loved facility might close at the end of this year or the start of 2023 unless financial support was forthcoming.

She said that the facility’s aim was to be self-sufficient in the future.

Fundraising events have also been taking place after concern was raised earlier this year that the hub, which has provided services for elderly people for 60 years, was at risk of imminent closure.

The Hollies relies on funding from outside agencies to allow it to provide a service and applications to funders had been unsuccessful.

A Ladies Glitterball next Friday (November 4) at Eskmills in Musselburgh, will raise funds for the Hollies and local foodbank. Tickets, priced £20, are available from ladiesglitterball@gmail.com

Musselburgh Old Course Golf Club is holding a silent auction and raffle for the facility next Saturday (November 5). Tickets, £5, can be bought at the Hollies, Blueberry Gifts or the clubhouse.

Souled Out, featuring DJs including guest DJ Nigel Grice from Manchester, takes place at the Ravelston House Hotel on December 30 from 7pm until midnight. Tickets, £5 in advance, are available from the Hollies.

Go to gofundme.com/f/help-we-need-somebody-help to support the Hollies.