A VILLAGE library has been modernised and expanded thanks to a partnership between three councils.

West End library has been updated to include a self-service kiosk, a community IT area, new furniture, modern shelving and an improved children’s area.

It comes after Eastleigh Borough Council’s Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee ploughed £50,000 in to the cost of the scheme.

Hampshire County Council and West End Parish Council also supported the project.

Eastleigh mayor Rupert Kyrle, who opened the extension, said: “I hope that local residents, particularly children, continue their support by regularly making use of all the library services and I hope the library can find and recruit local volunteers to work alongside the professional library staff to maintain and hopefully increase opening hours for the community.”