A FACELIFT for a church hall is set to create a new focal point for a village.

The rector of Brotton, the Rev Bruce Harrison, wants St Margaret's church hall to be in use seven days a week. He aims to make the hall the hub of the village and the starting point for a new spirit of community.

Over the years, the hall had become run down and fewer people were using its facilities.

So shortly after he arrived in Brotton 18 months ago, Mr Harrison set about restoring the building. He began an upgrading scheme so it could be fully used by all sections of the community.

Although some groups are already using the hall - for bingo, brownies and guides and flower arranging - there are big plans for the future.

Mr Harrison said it was hoped to start a luncheon club and sessions for mothers and toddlers. A youth club is pencilled in for September.

The revamp, costing between £5,000 and £8,000, includes a new kitchen, heating system and decorations.

The church and Age Concern have met the cost and most of the work has been done by people on community service.

Residents have also helped with fundraising and this will continue to ensure standards stay high.

"There is now much more for people in Brotton," said Mr Harrison. "The hall is set to become more of a hub for the whole community."

Mr Harrison's predecessor, the Rev Erik Smits, was in Brotton for about 30 years and had been ill for the latter part of his ministry.

"Part of my brief on coming here was to get things moving," Mr Harrison said. "Mr Smits put down a good foundation for the work which is now being done."

The rector praised the work of the community service teams.

"We could not have afforded the labour any other way," he said, adding that other projects could be in the pipeline.

He hoped to create a placement whereby someone from community service could help the church with various jobs.

Mr Harrison had only one regret about the refurbishment. The church had had to spend £2,000 on bars for the windows because of repeated vandalism at St Margaret's hall.

"It is a shame but we had to do it," he said. "The church is also floodlit at night so it should now be secure.

"But the more it is used, the less risk there is of damage. We want it to be in use seven days a week."

l Anyone interested in booking the hall is asked to contact Mr Harrison on 01287 676275.