It is full steam ahead for Ottery’s community hub as its success is reflected in more than 100 competition entries to design a new logo.

The youth centre, now officially known as Ottery Station, faced closure later last year due to Devon County Council (DCC) cutbacks, but has bounced back and is seeking to throw open its doors to many different community groups and organisations.

A new logo, which was designed by the late editor of the Ottery Gazette, John Gaffney, who died shortly before judging took place, has been chosen for the venue.

The hub has also been granted £26,380 of funding from DCC to pay for roof repairs and further improvement works.

Ottery Station chairman, the Reverend Mac Dick, said he was ‘thrilled’ by the number of entries received in a competition to design the hub’s new logo and added that the winning design will be ‘a constant reminder of the huge contribution’ John made to the town.

The logo was chosen by trustees and mayor Glyn Dobson - with three entrants, King’s students Tegen Harris and Ollie Brown, as well as Susan Morrison - all receiving runner-up prizes for their designs.

The town council stepped in to save the Station premises and took over ownership of it late last year. It has since made a number of improvements to the building and has now welcomed a successful application to fund ongoing repairs.

Councillor Dobson said: “The town council applied for the money to allow us to continue the updating of the centre and we thank DCC very much for the grant.”

Young people in the town can attend regular meetings at the centre fortnightly during term time, with sessions held on alternate Monday evenings for students in years six to eight.

Those in year nine and above can meet every other Wednesday.

Ottery Help Scheme has already taken up residence at the Station and trustees are now seeking to accommodate more community groups and organisations.

If anyone would like to consider using the new community hub, they can contact Ottery Help Scheme on 01404 813041 for further details.