A VILLAGE hall is to be reopened following a £200,000 refurbishment, with villagers being invited to celebrate their £50,000 fund-raising efforts.

The hall in Shrawley, near Ombersley, was originally built as a one-room school in 1860 but was converted in 1984 and underwent a further transformation last year.

It now features an IT suite for use by community groups as well as improved kitchen and toilet facilities, thanks to village events raising cash alongside grant donations.

Chairman of the village hall trustees Valerie Powick, a former pupil who attended the school back in the 1940s and who also taught there, was due to open the new hall at a ceremony tonight.

"We are delighted that all the hard work of so many people in the village has resulted in such an agreeable hall," she said.

The four newly-designed rooms have been named in memory of previous stalwarts who were involved in the original conversion of the building from school to village hall.

Relatives of the quartet - Edward Davies, William Austin, Robert Walker and Michael Bendall - will all be present at the opening ceremony.

As well as unveiling the re-vamped hall, villagers will also have the opportunity to see the recently-restored Shrawley war roll, commemorating villagers who served in the forces.

As well as sharing memories of the past, visitors will be able to hear about events scheduled for the hall and talk to trustees about plans for the future.

The ceremony begins at 7.30pm. Anyone who wants more information about the evening or future activities at the hall is asked to contact Jo Burkes on 01905 621040.