MP Oliver Heald opened the new-look Ashwell Village Hall on Sunday. The hall has been the village s community centre from the late 1920s and in order to bring the building into the 21st century the village hall trustees decided to refurbish the premises.

MP Oliver Heald opened the new-look Ashwell Village Hall on Sunday.

The hall has been the village's community centre from the late 1920s and in order to bring the building into the 21st century the village hall trustees decided to refurbish the premises.

Mr Heald said: "This hall is right at the heart of the local community and has seen numerous village events over many years.

"It is marvellous that it now has state-of-the-art disabled facilities, and an impressive entrance area."

Other improvements include toilet facilities, a modernised main hall, new meeting rooms, and added storage facilities.

Jill Powell, of the village hall project said: "The opening and refurbishment of the new village hall is a great occasion, as it is an important part of Ashwell's community.

"We have all worked hard to fund the new hall, and we will continue to raise money as long as work needs to be done."

The village hall will undergo a second phase of renovation in the coming months, which will see improvements made to both the kitchen area and the car park.

Resident Christine Schwick said: "Hundreds of children pass through the village hall at some point, so it has been necessary to bring the facilities up to date and make sure that they are safe and secure.

"The new facilities are brilliant and certainly meet the needs of everyone who uses them."

Mr Heald cut the ribbon and removed flags that covered 97 engraved bricks which feature the names of various Ashwell residents from the past and present, that are built into the wall of the village hall.