Proposals for a redeveloped community centre for Wootton and Dry Sandford, near Abingdon, will go on show to villagers tomorrow and next Friday.

The public exhibition follows news from the Big Lottery Fund that it has approved in principle a grant application for £470,000.

Community centre management committee chairman Chris Wise said: "This is a historic moment for Wootton and comes about thanks to the determination and perseverance of the 12 members of the committee.

He said they now had nine months in which to draw up more detailed plans for the development, ready for a stage two application to the Lottery.

Mr Wise added that it was possible building work could start next Easter and be completed in time for Christmas 2008.

He said the architect had produced revised plans for the scheme following consultation with several groups that used the building.

The exhibition will be staged at the community centre from 10am to noon tomorrow, and 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Friday.

On show will be drawings showing the existing and proposed layout, along with details about issues including access.

Mr Wise said: "The exhibitions will be the first opportunity for the community to judge and comment upon the design, allowing further refinements.

"We hope villagers will visit the exhibitions, because the views of the public are very important so we can take this project forward."