YEARS of hard work by a group of dedicated village volunteers have secured the future of Cookhill Village Hall.

Most of the building is over 50 years old and urgently needs work to bring it into the 21st century and to comply with approaching public standards legislation.

After countless grant applications and fund-raising, the village hall committee has secured more than the £240,000 needed to carry out the project.

The demolition and building part of the scheme will start at the end of March to provide improved access to the entrance lobby and entrance hall, new toilets, storage rooms and bar store.

Other work includes an integrated pitched roof with clock, double glazing throughout and disabled access facilities in all parts of the hall.

Committee chairman Eileen Payne said: "In addition to the project cost we have also got together, with the generous support of the community, sufficient funds to enable us to completely refurbish all parts of the hall.

"Cookhill Village Hall has always been an important venue, not only for Cookhill and Astwood Bank residents but for people in many surrounding areas.

"The village hall plans have become reality only because of the wonderful and generous support of all our funders."

New services are expected to open next autumn, including a lunchtime community association, a gardening group, a health and nutrition group and an additional art class.

Future events include a skittles evening on Saturday, November 29, a children's Christmas party, a New Year's Eve Dance and a quiz night.

For more details, call Mrs Payne on 892225.