A BUY-a-brick scheme has been launched to help Settle raise the last £10,000 towards the refurbishment and redevelopment of the town's Victoria Hall.

The community has to find the last few thousand pounds to put the finishing touches to the £400,000 project to turn the Victorian music hall into a modern-day community centre and hall.

The trustees of the Victoria Hall Company Ltd - which now leases the building from Craven District Council on a long-term peppercorn rent - are still waiting to hear about a final grant, but hope if that is successful, they will be just £10,000 short of realising their dream.

Now they are urging the people of Settle and district to support them with fundraising and donations to attain the target, and this is where the buy-a-brick scheme comes in.

Barbara McLernon explained: "We are asking people to buy an imaginery brick for £1. We are running a stall on alternate weeks on Settle market and everyone who contributes has their name recorded. So far we have raised about £570. Our target is £1,000. When we have reached that there will be a draw with a bottle of whisky or the equivalent amount of money as the prize."

The stall is also selling donated cakes and those manning it will gratefully receive any home baking to sell to raise extra money.

Building work is continuing on the Victoria Hall, with March 3 2001 pencilled in as the intended opening date when it is hoped everything will be functional except the stage, which will be waiting for sound and lighting equipment.

All the old seating from the balcony area - renowned throughout Settle as uncomfortable and cramped - was burned recently, as brand new seating is to be installed.

The trustees are now hoping to find new homes for 150 stacking chairs, which were used downstairs in the hall. As part of the refurbishment, new fold-flat chairs will be purchased which will be stored under the stage when not in use.

Mrs McLernon said: "Anyone interested in making us an offer for all 150 chairs, or small numbers of them, should get in touch on 01729 822364 or 01729 825781.