THE community project to raise money for a piano for Chepstow's Drill Hall has, after only a couple of months, already achieved its goal.

The Reverend Ashley Hunt of Blackwood is retiring and, in having to downsize, has been hoping to find a good home for his recently restored Bluthner grand piano.

Rev Hunt has been incredibly generous in agreeing to payment in instalments at only a fraction of the estimated price and is also delighted that it will be used and much appreciated by the local musical community.

The generosity has continued with large donations by local individuals, and recently the Welsh Church Fund announced that it will support the fund with a substantial grant.?

The piano has just arrived at the hall and will be ready for use within the next few months. Money still needs to be raised for further payments, a frame and castors so that it can be easily moved and it will require preparatory tunings.