A DAY of celebrations took place in Longdon on Saturday as the refurbished village hall was officially opened.

The ceremony was performed by the Reverend Chris Moss. Wine tasting, children's games and a tour of the new-look building were among the activities on offer.

Jo Beswick, chairman of the hall management committee, said: "It went very well and we had a good crowd. A lot of people hadn't seen the revamped hall and I think they were all impressed."

The project has cost £180,000, with £25,000 raised by the village and grants from the Community Fund, Severn Waste Environmental Fund, Vital Villages and the Eveson Charitable Trust.

The management committee now plans to launch several new weekly activities, including a youth table-tennis evening, Pilates classes and computer courses. It also hopes to develop its computer area to encourage on-line shopping, operate a delivery and collection point for purchases and eventually offer post office services and a weekly farmers' market.