CRADLEY Village Hall is open again following the completion of the first phase of its restoration.

The building, parts of which date back to the 19th Century, was closed for six months while a £105,000 programme of work was carried out.

New lights and heating have been installed, the kitchen has been redesigned and refitted and the hall is now equipped with new furniture and curtains. The cost of the work was met by local fundraising and grants from the Malvern Millions and the Severn Waste Environmental Fund.

A re-opening ceremony is being held tonight (Friday), to which the project's supporters have been invited.

The public will be invited to an open viewing day on Saturday, April 19, form 10.30am and 3.30pm, when members of the management committee will be on hand to explain what has been done.

The hall is now available to be hired out for functions, parties, meetings, conferences and educational courses.

A Lottery grant is being sought for the second phase - the building of an archive room and storage rooms.

Jerry Thomas, chairman of the committee, said: "The committee and the trustees are delighted that we've reached this point.

"We're optimistic that the second phase will proceed as planned and will give us even better facilities for the village and the parish.

"It's taken us some time, but we've persevered, thanks to the tremendous support we've had from the people of Cradley."