PIONEER Projects, the arts charity that manages the Looking Well Healthy Living Centre in Bentham, has finally moved after three years of fundraising and a year of building work.

The centre is now based in newly-refurbished premises next door to the original rented building in King Street, and incorporates a host of environmentally friendly systems.

Creative director, Alison Jones explained: "Unlike our old building, it is full of light and very warm. We have a solar panel, high levels of recycled paper insulation and a wood pellet- fuelled boiler.

"The boiler has travelled from the Czech Republic, via Denmark to Bentham. Pioneer Projects is living up to its name as it is the first of its kind in the UK. We were able to buy and install the boiler thanks to a grant from Powergen's Green Plan Fund."

The boiler emits virtually no emissions and burns just one small bag of sawdust pellets a day, costing £4, which heats the whole of the building.

To further reduce the already low cost in heating, staff are looking at burning wheat and will begin trials soon to see if it is as efficient.

Staff and volunteers are now keen for people to come and see the new building and tell them what new activities they would like to do.

Requests so far include a morning stretching and shake-out session, Sunday afternoon teas for the elderly and a Saturday children's club.

While the ground floor provides a home for Looking Well community activities, the first floor studio can provide a venue for business meetings or an exhibition.

Alison added: "We needed to find a way to fund the community activities, so we have created high quality small business spaces above which are available to let."

The business units will be fully equipped, including one set up as a therapy/treatment room.

They are available to hire by the session, day or month and will provide valuable income allowing Pioneer Projects to continue its work.

Final touches are now being added to the new building after much hard work fundraising by volunteers and grants from the European Regional Development Fund, Arts Council England, Yorkshire Forward, Craven District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme.

The next plan is to install a permanent kitchen area and fundraising is already being looked at.

At the moment the staff are preparing food on a single cooker with limited cupboard space and work surfaces.

To contact Looking Well Studios ring 015242 62672 or email office@pioneerprojects.org.uk