A RURAL village hall has been transformed in a £30,000 lockdown scheme.

The hall – in Ravensworth, near Richmond, was facing reduced rentals after having no upgrades for 40 years.

Trustees were concerned it would fall into dereliction as conditions were deterring users both local and new.

But with the help of almost £20,000 from Richmondshire District Council’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) a brand new kitchen was installed during lockdown – including two ovens, industrial dishwasher, hob, fridge and sinks.

A survey of residents from Ravensworth and the neighbouring communities of Whashton and Kirby Hill had identified a long list of suggested events to keep the hall running but all relied on having useable kitchen facilities.

Hall Treasurer, Carol Robinson, explained: “Until we had this work done everyone was bringing pre-prepared food in and not using the old facilities.

“It has made a massive difference to what the hall can offer our community and was made possible thanks to the district council.”

Leader of the council, Councillor Angie Dale, added: “I am delighted to see this hall being brought back into full use with the help of district council money.

"Our grant scheme aims to support new projects and improvement schemes to boost facilities for local people, and this refurbishment fitted that brief perfectly.”

The village hall was reopened by Peter Wilson who was born and has always lived in the village, working as the village blacksmith.

He attended the hall when it was the village school and was involved in the last restoration in 1983.