Volunteers in Budleigh Salterton hoping to raise enough funds to buy their former fire station and turn it into a community workshop have hit their fundraising target.

Budleigh Salterton fire station closed its doors for the final time in April this year, after the Fire Authority backed controversial proposals put forward to save cash but also to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.

The affected firefighters are now responding from Exmouth and Sidmouth, and the two-storey building is set to be auctioned off in September, with a guide price of £125,000.

But due to the popularity of the site on Station Road, the Budleigh Community Workshop Trust has estimated that around £200,000 may be needed to be able to complete the purchase.

The BCWT had raised £150,000 towards the purchase of the building before last month launching a crowdfunding campaign for the last £50,000.

£45,133 had been raised through the support of the public, and on Tuesday morning, East Devon District Council's Community Grant Panel unanimously supported pledging the last £4,867 to ensure the target is met.

Bill McDermott, the chairman of the Trust, asking for the grant funding, told the panel that they have been trying to get a community workshop for best part of three years but the fire station site would be perfect.

He added: "Our vision is to acquire it for the local community for a legacy for all to enjoy. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get the building and we think this is ideally suited and located. We need to get the extra funds to ensure we get the fighting funds to cross the line."

Mr McDermott said the building, which is adjacent to the Public Hall and existing workshops, has presented a location that is ideally suited for the purpose.

The BCWT plans include the creation of a workshop and other recreational facilities for the community to enhance skills, confidence and inclusion, with volunteer led activities made available to individuals who have need for such facilities by reason of their age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances, with the object of improving their conditions of life.

Activities will initially focus on carpentry, wood turning and allied DIY, textile crafts and repair skills under the supervision of experienced practitioners and support volunteers, with the aspiration to make the Community Workshop socially inclusive and diverse, focussing wherever the need is, so that young adults and older generations can develop skills and enjoy the social and creative opportunities the Workshop will provide.

Committee chairman councillor Jack Rowland said that it was an excellent project, and said that he would support pledging the remaining funds, while councillor Helen Parr added: "This is a tremendous vision to get such a building for the community and an excellent cause."

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, had previously backed the campaign, and said "I'm proud to support this project which is clearly backed by many people in Budleigh. It would be a big boost for the town and help bring people together to improve their skills and confidence. This is a brilliant opportunity and I hope the project is successful."

The Fire Station was due to go up for auction on September 10, although the meeting heard that this may change to being 'best bids' submitted instead.