PICKERING'S Memorial Hall still needs nearly £10,000 to clear its debts, the hall's charitable trust was told at its annual meeting.

But trust chairman, the Reverend Ivon Baker, said that after a difficult period last year, he was able to report on "remarkable progress" in the past 12 months.

He said: "The people of Pickering have this year shown that they really believe in the Memorial Hall and what it represents.

"People are using it in increasing numbers and showing their appreciation of a gift that was bestowed on the town 80 years ago, and refurbished so meticulously five years ago."

Mr Baker said, however, that there was no room for complacency. "Combined and consistent efforts will continue to be vital if progress is to be maintained," he said.

Treasurer Tony Danks said that as a result of extensive fundraising efforts, a management re-structure and hard work by volunteers, the overall debt had been reduced from £22,000 to £9,700.

He said: "There is still much to do. The debt still needs to be completely cleared and the redecoration work paid for."

Mr Danks said there was a need for the hall to be marketed, maintained and run to a high standard, which would need more volunteers.

The hall, a former 19th Century flax mill, was restored at a cost of £750,000 in 2000.