ALMOST 300 Hiltingbury residents showed that community spirit is on a high in the village by turning out for a new community group's launch night.

Residents were out in force for the launch of Hiltingbury Community Association's new social and community group.

With the dream of providing a new heart for the area in the shape of a £750,000 community centre building at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground closer than ever before, the association staged an open evening at St Martin-in-the-Wood church hall.

Prior to the event, association chairman Mike Hughes told the Daily Echo how he doubted whether anyone would turn up because he thought the community spirit was non-existent.

However, organisers were bowled over when 273 people - including 50 children - went along to support the open evening.

"I was very heartened. It was brilliant. People came and went but there always seemed to be a constant crowd in the hall," said Mr Hughes.

Chris Vine, association vice-chairman and chairman of the social and community committee, said: "We were delighted with the huge amount of support for the event. It shows there really is a will to put a heart into Hiltingbury.

"HCA can help launch a social programme, but the challenge now is to encourage people to come forward to co-ordinate these activities on an ongoing basis."

Entertainment at the launch included treasure hunts and games for children, a jazz trio from Thornden School, a quiz based on anagrams of road names and a local history quiz.

Everyone who attended received a bulletin listing more than 40 events in and around Hiltingbury over the next couple of months.

The events bulletin is available by calling 023 8090 8862 and leaving a name and address, or from Chandler's Ford Library.