Campaigners from the South West are taking part in a demonstration in London over a funding crisis threatening village halls.

Representatives from Devon and Cornwall will lobby West Country MPs in the House of Commons as part of a rally organised by the Village Hall Forum.

The event's organisers say declining funding from National Lottery and government sources could damage a key part of the rural community.

The event is being timed to coincide with a review of Lottery funding being conducted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Raised issue

Sidney Thompson, who is campaigning for a new village hall in Bridestowe, said he had already raised the issue of funding with Torridge and West Devon MP John Burnett.

"There was �3.5bn of National Lottery funds that hadn't been distributed yet that was earning �140m a year in interest.

"We spoke to John Burnett about this and he went into bat for us with ministers.

Repairs needed

"All we need is three-quarters of a day's interest to build our village hall," said Mr Thompson.

A survey by the Cornwall Rural Community Council showed repairs totalling �10m needed to be carried out on village halls in the county.

Campaigners say these buildings are vital, particularly in areas such as Cornwall, which suffers from poor public transport and closing shops, post offices and schools.