Kind-hearted readers have jumped to the support of a Women’s Institute branch.

We featured the Brighton Belles group on September 5, and told how they were searching for a new venue to hold their monthly meetings.

Within hours of the story appearing in print, you had responded in droves.

Chris Gull, from the Brighton’s Emporium in London Road, was among the first. He said: “We’d be happy to talk to the WI group to see if we could meet their needs. We are a licenced theatre/cafe/bar, with other spaces also available.”

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Chris Taylor, from The Writers' Place in Jew Street, followed suit soon after.

Chris Pobjoy was next to offer his pub, The Romans in Southwick, followed by Helen Clift from the Old Boat Corner Community Centre in Carden Park.

Emma Whittaker, from the WI branch, said: “It’s fantastic to hear so many people have come forward. We are really grateful. It’s nice to know people are willing to support local causes.”

Brighton Belles was founded four years ago and they now have 30 regular members. They meet once a month at different pubs around the city. MsWhittaker said: “It’s frustrating when we turn up and get told ‘Sorry girls the football is on tonight’.

“We just want somewhere which is big enough for us to hold meetings once a month.”

While retaining many of the best aspects of the much-loved institute, the local branch like to do things a little differently. Among their recent outings include selling cakes at Pride, beer tasting, erotic writing workshops and nude life drawing.

Ms Whittaker said the committee would now go through the options and get back to those who have kindly offered their services.

She added: “We also want to be able to put back into the community.

If there are any events which would like us to attend with cakes then we would be pleased to hear from you.”

The group is also looking for raffle prizes for their Christmas fundraising drive with money raised going to their chosen charity, Rise.

For more details contact Emma at: emma@onestopfilms.co.uk.