CENTENARY celebrations at a village hall stepped outside the Weardale venue at the weekend.

Around 40 people took part in a botany and geology walk on Saturday to mark Frosterley Village Hall’s 100th anniversary year.

Walkers learnt about the industry upon which the hall was built and the area’s natural beauty.

Television botanist David Bellamy, patron of the hall, led walkers from the village hall to Harehope and Broadwood Quarries.

In the early 20th century a grant from the Pease family, who owned many quarries in the dale, and donations from men in the village who worked there paid for the building.

The quarrymen also built the hall in their spare time.

Pat Shadforth, of the hall centenary committee, said: "It was interesting to learn about the area around the hall and village as part of the centenary celebrations.

"Despite awful weather we had a good turnout."

When the walkers returned to the village they attended a flower festival at St Michael and All the Angels Church.

Mrs Shadforth thanked David Bellamy, Jill Essam of the Harehope Quarry Project, Broadwood boss Paul Allison, sculptor Keith Murray and church volunteers for making the day a success.

Full story and picture in The Northern Echo.