A Moray aviation heritage centre have raised more than £7,400 – which will ensure it survives during lockdown.
Morayvia set up a crowdfunding page after the group was thwarted in accessing much-needed government funding schemes due to not fitting in with the required rates brackets.
This meant the charity faced fears over missing out on £25,000 worth of funding.
However, the generous community helped the Kinloss organisation smashed their fundraising target of £5000 in just three days to help secure the future of the centre.
Morayvia director Bob Pountney was “astounded” by the massive support received from the public for the fundraising page.
The cash raised will be used to cover running costs whilst the tourist attraction remains closed during the current crisis.
Mr Pountney said: “The fundraiser has gone better than I thought it would.
“These are difficult times for many people with a lack of income around but many have put their hands in their pockets and donated to support us.
“This means we can sit through this year if necessary with sufficient funds to pay outstanding bills and monthly direct debits which is great news.
“Most aircraft museums have a large footprint and area of ground which sets our rateable valuable quite high so we didn’t qualify for any grants which was concerning.
“However we managed to prove ourselves and thanks to everyone who has supported us it is greatly appreciated. ”
The museum has created a tour video to showcase and educate people more about some of their exhibitions such as their De Havilland Vampire in a push to remind people of the attraction.
It is hoped this will help draw visitors back to the centre once bosses are given the green light to reopen to the public.
He added: “It is really important to make people aware of what exhibitions we have on offer during these times.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the centre once it is safe.
“At the end of the day when it comes to reopening the safety of our volunteers and visitors is certainly our priority.”
Anyone who donates to this fundraising page will have their name placed on a plaque to be displayed at Morayvia near their Vulcan Bomber in recognition of the support given during the coronavirus pandemic.
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/robert-pountney-1
