THE leaders of an ambitious project to transform an ageing village hall into a community hub fit for the 21st Century are to mark the completion of the scheme's first phase with a day of events.

Volunteers said the Memorial Hall, in Reeth, Swaledale had undergone £27,000 of structural works and improvements to the kitchen and small meeting room.

Building work involved repairing the roof at the rear of the building where rainwater had been causing damage, blocking up the interior windows to improve sound proofing and privacy and revamping and improving insulation in walls and ceilings.

The adjacent kitchen was also refurbished and the walls and ceilings of both rooms are now fully insulated.

The scheme has also seen a new floor, window blinds and wall lights fitted in the meeting room.

The work to the pre-war building is its first major revamp and was funded through a £20,000 grant from Richmondshire District Council’s Communities Opportunity Fund, a £1,000 grant from Reeth Parish Council an 18-month fundraising drive.

The hall's treasurer, Richard Beal, said the fundraising had involved a huge effort by volunteers, including a programme of concerts, table-top sales, cake stalls, ceilidhs and a fashion show.

He said: "The hall, which is the largest venue in the area, is now in a very good condition and we are hoping to attract more people to use the facilities."

Mr Beal said the second phase of works, which it is hoped will be completed in the summer, would see the main hall and stage redeveloped, at a cost of about £25,000.

Volunteers have spent two weekends giving the main hall a temporary facelift.

Mr Beal said: "The whole building is now much brighter and more welcoming for its users, who range from cardio-combat classes and a playgroup to a luncheon club for the elderly and Reeth Brass Band."

He said the completion of the revamp would be marked on Saturday, March 28, with a full day of events at the hall, including a children's ukelele building workshop from 9.30am and a concert by Yoredale Ukulele Strummers, featuring players and singers from Arkengarthdale and Reeth schools, from 2pm.

The celebration will be completed with a show by Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio from 8pm.

To book tickets for the 2pm concert, which cost £5, or the 8pm show, which cost £10 and include a hot supper, call 01748 884821.

To book the hall, visit reethmemorialhall.co.uk or call 01748 880130.