Chilly charity volunteers hope people will show them some love by supporting a fundraising plea to replace their building’s old heating system.

The Cold Hive, Warm Hearts appeal needs to raise £2,500 so the Hive charity’s base can be warmed up as temperatures drop during winter.

The community arts organisation, formerly Kirkgate Studios and Workshop, is based on Kirkgate, behind the community centre, in Shipley.

The charity has worked for 30 years to promote and deliver creative activities as a method of engaging with and providing personal and social development for communities across Bradford.

It coordinates large projects, commissions community activities and runs courses and drop in facilities.

Rooms used for pottery and woodwork have no heating, leading the charity’s community arts manager Joy Hart to worry about people who visit, as over 50s particularly use them in winter and they will also be the base for a project working with people with mental health issues.

“We have some heating, but in half of the building we have a really old heating system, from when it was originally a school, which broke. The pottery and woodwork areas are absolutely freezing,” she said.

The areas are well used for drop-in sessions and lessons, but people using them are donning hats and scarves to keep warm.

“We’re a place where people who are older and can’t afford heating themselves quite often come to and it’s freezing here now,,” Miss Hart said.

“We have got a couple of heaters that we can plug in, but they cost a fortune and they don’t really heat the building. ”

The system broke in the summer, but attempts to apply for major grants have so far failed, although volunteers are working on other applications and raised £500 with a raffle Charity users have also given money, a donation was made in memory a trustee who died just before Christmas, and Yorkshire Building Society has pledged £100.

“It’s very difficult to get funding for core costs,” Miss Hart added.

To support Hive, visit www.hivebradford.org.uk or send a cheque made payable to ‘Hive’ to Hive, Kirkgate, Shipley, BD18 3EH.

Anyone who donates will receive a handmade ceramic heart as a thank you.