LOTTERY loot is set to give Hamble's ageing Memorial Hall a new lease of life and turn it into a modern community focal point.

News of a £108,271 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund has delighted the hall's management committee, which has been working towards a £252,000 full renovation of the popular facility for five years.

Chairman Kathleen Hand said: "The Memorial Hall was built in memory of those who died in the First World War.

"The main hall has not changed much since it was built in 1933 for a population of around 300.

"Hamble now has a population of more than 4,000 and the hall is well used with a variety of activities taking place every week."

Paying tribute to the many individuals and groups who supported the refurbishment project, she added: "The Community Fund grant really is Lottery money making a difference.

"Together with grants from Hamble Parish Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, it will enable the committee to forge ahead with the planned refurbishment so that Hamble Memorial Hall can continue to serve the community for another 70 years."

The lottery cash will fund the renovation and extension of the existing building to bring it up to modern standards and to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The grant is set to run over two years and will benefit the entire community - but especially the elderly and disabled.

The front of the building will be completely rebuilt and extended to incorporate a new hallway with disabled access, new toilets and an information point for local residents and tourists.

The redesigned front of the building will also have an upper floor with two small rooms suitable for committee work and counselling.

Renovation of the existing main hall will include new heating, lighting, ventilation and a new floor which will allow the introduction of short mat bowls and badminton.

Work has already been undertaken on the small hall at the rear of the building to make it self-contained and a suitable home for the village playschool, with much of the funding coming from local businesses and residents.