THERE were scenes of jubilation at the Woodroffe School when it was announced The Hub had secured £60,000 Lottery funding.

The youth centre project beat off competition from Portland Gig Rowing Club in a phone vote to win the Jubilee People’s Millions.

Both projects featured on ITV Westcountry News last Tuesday in a bid to win viewers’ votes.

Hub project leaders and volunteers worked throughout the night and all day Tuesday to publicise the telephone number.

It was a tense wait at the Woodroffe School on Wednesday afternoon as they waited to hear the result.

ITV has revealed that The Hub secured 8,913 votes, compared with Portland’s 2,551.

The money will help get the former Boys’ Club building in Church Street, owned by Lyme Regis Development Trust, re-opened as a youth centre.

Trust chairman Marcus Dixon, who was at the school when the news came in, said: “The community support was breathtaking and it seemed everyone supported The Hub campaign with lots making the maximum 10 calls per line.

“The people who contributed to the success went beyond the town and included those from a wide area including all the local primary schools, former Woodroffe pupils and just an amazing response nationally.

“The young people drove this fantastic marketing campaign and their imagination, enthusiasm, energy and knowledge and know-how using social networking sites and Twitter meant that we were able to mount a phenomenal campaign.”

Hub development worker Fran Williams thanked everyone who helped.

She said: “I believe the key to our winning has been the willingness to work together.

“I am in no doubt that this partnership and good working practice between The Hub, partners, volunteers, young people and the town will go on to making it the place that we all dream of – busy, successful and full of opportunity.”

Mrs Williams praised those who worked behind the scenes, Ayvin Rogers who initiated the application, the Woodroffe’s marketing team led by teacher Dot Wood and student Lily Shorten, and young musician Jacques Verhaeren who travelled from Bristol to take part in filming for ITV news.

Town Mayor Sally Holman said: “It was an incredibly professional campaign – all credit to Fran and team – to which so many added their support.”

Mr Dixon said the money would be used to provide disabled access and infrastructure costs at The Hub, which would have been difficult to fundraise for locally.