A RURAL community with few facilities is coming together today to celebrate the opening of its new-look village hall.

The 84-year-old hall at Hale has been transformed by a £135,000 facelift.

The scheme was given the go-ahead after 70 per cent of residents supported the scheme.

Guests at the opening ceremony will include Arthur Dear, whose father and uncle were instrumental in raising funds for the original building in the 1920s.

Jacqui Hartas, chairman of the hall committee, said: “We have no shop, no pub and public transport is poor so we rely on the hall to keep residents in touch with one another.

“We are overjoyed that this work is now complete and that we now have a hall that can serve the whole community for many years to come.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point but I think it has been well worth it.”

Built in 1931, the hall hosts a raft of activities including music, monthly food markets, tai chi and coffee mornings.

Its new commercial kitchen, was installed in partnership with Hampshire County Council.

It will prepare food for village events and pupils at nearby Hale Primary School.

Other improvements to the freshly revamped village hall include new windows and doors.

There is also a better heating systems and improved low-energy lighting.

The work was approved following a village survey in which 70 per cent of respondents said the parish should invest in the building.

Cllr Andrew Gibson, the county council executive member for culture, recreation and the countryside, said: “Village halls are the lifeblood of most communities, particularly rural ones.

“These much-needed improvements will enable local organisations and members of the voluntary sector to access the services and facilities they need.

“They also presented an opportunity to provide the primary school with the improved kitchen facilities necessary to meet increased demand.”

Other organisations that contributed to the cost included New Forest District Council, the National Lottery and the Veolia Environmental Trust.

Paul Taylor, executive director of the trust, said: “I hope the revamped hall will remain a focus for fun and friendship for many years to come.”

The opening ceremony is due to take place at 7pm.