URGENT repairs are needed at a popular community centre due to a leaking roof.

Water is seeping through the ceilings in two classrooms at Khizra House, which are used regularly for lessons.

The centre, which is run by not-for-profit group Bury Khizra Network, is also home to martial arts groups, sports provision and a youth club, to name a few.

Fawad Sabir, a volunteer project manager, said: “We are currently experiencing some challenges with major roof leaks in two of our classrooms. One of them can’t be used due to the extent of the leak and the other is being maintained by placing buckets above the ceiling tiles in the voids. However, this is continually disturbing classes, especially when it rains.

"The cause of the problem is unknown but the building is quite old and it has deteriorated over time causing the problems.

“Our volunteers have worked hard to try and keep the water out, however as winter approaches the requirement to get in the professionals to fix the problem has become critical.

“We need some assistance from our local community and friends from far and wide to show some generosity to help us reach our fundraising target.”

A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise £3,000 for the cause, of which more than £1,300 has already been donated.

The classrooms are used to provide Urdu lessons for schoolchildren, Arabic language classes for all ages, as well as employability and pre-ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) language classes for adults.

The centre is also used by the Sudanese and Somali communities as a location to meet up and socialise as well as build bridges with other communities.

Mr Sabir said: "Please donate so that we can further develop our activities and promote cohesion across all faiths and backgrounds."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/khizranetworkbury.