PRAISE has been heaped upon an arts and heritage centre as it has been nominated for a national award.

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre in East Street, Havant, has been short-listed for the Winifred Tumim Memorial Prize.

The gong is awarded annually by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and highlights charities that have demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of governance.

The Spring brings art and cultural activities, including theatre, crafts and heritage events, to the local community.

It is one of four charities short-listed.

With its new business plan, The Spring created a strand of outreach work that engaged around 8,000 people in the arts last year.

Centre director Sophie Fullerlove said she is delighted with the nomination.

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the national council, said: ‘The standard of entries for the Winifred Tumim Prize this year was, as ever, extremely high, so it’s quite an achievement to be short-listed.’

The results will be announced next month and the 
winning charity will receive a £1,000 prize.