VILLAGERS have another reason to celebrate following the re-opening of their shop and post office.

Middleton Tyas Memorial Hall is to have a replacement heating system after grants totalling nearly £8,000 were secured.

Last month the village shop re-opened in the hall after villagers raised £70,000.

The previous shop and post office closed because the owners wanted to convert the building into a house.

Jim Wilkinson, chairman of the hall trustees, said: "The new heating system will last for many years and local volunteers now plan to put in a new kitchen and decorate the interior of the hall, to make it even more attractive and comfortable for users."

As well as housing the shop and post office, the hall provides a base for the Women's Institute, Brownies, parish council, residents' association and other clubs and organisations.

A grant for £4,600 was provided for the heating system by Yorventure, which is backed by Northallerton based waste management company Yorwaste Limited.

Richmondshire District Council also pledged £2,184 and the county council gave £1,000.