CAMPAIGNERS who want to buy the lease of a North Oxford community centre are just £88,000 away from their target after two years of fundraising.

St John's College, which owns St Margaret's Institute, in Polstead Road, has agreed to sell the 999-year lease for £400,000 to the management committee which runs the centre.

Fundraisers, who launched an appeal in 2004, need £88,000 to safeguard the building.

They have already secured thousands of pounds after holding promises auctions, garden parties, jumble sales, Valentine's day balls and a variety night.

Once the committee owns the lease it will be able to carry out long-term renovation plans on the community centre, which is the city's oldest, dating back to 1889.

It is the base for activities ranging from a day centre for the elderly to an under-fives playgroup.

An open day was held recently to recruit volunteers and boost support.

City councillor Susanna Pressel, who is backing the campaign, said: "This building has been well used and well loved for many years. It's great to see people working hard to secure its future."

The committee was last Thursday awarded a certificate from the Oxford Preservation Trust for "the contribution made to the preservation and enhancement of Oxford's heritage" by the refurbishment of St Margaret's Institute.

For more information about the fundraising appeal, visit www.smi-oxford.org.uk