A VILLAGE'S long history was highlighted to mark the golden jubilee of the focal point of the community at the weekend.

The people of Shadforth, near Durham, went to the village hall to see a local history exhibition which marked the 50th anniversary of it being built.

Historian Helen Grindlay and members of Shadforth History Group showed old photographs and plans of the village. There were several of the village hall, which was built through subscriptions and the efforts of local people.

People also visited from further afield and several brought other old photographs to add to the display.

Among the visitors were some of the people involved in the development of the hall, including bricklayer Bill Errington, who is now 93.

He was able to reminisce with other older villagers, who contributed 6d per week to help meet the costs of building the hall.

The hall has fallen slightly into disrepair in recent years but then underwent a major refurbishment, thanks to a £75,000 Heritage Lottery grant, last year.

History group member Stuart Watt said the exhibition, from Friday to yesterday, proved very popular. "It's created a lot of interest, it's been marvellous.

"We, obviously, had a number of people in from the village, but also people who have left Shadforth and are now living across County Durham."

Mr Watt said Shadforth, with only around 150 households, pre-dates most surrounding villages, which were developed as the coal industry flourished.

"It's a very old village, and it was mentioned in the Domesday Book, although I'm not sure exactly how far back it goes."