A FOUR-YEAR project to modernise a village hall will come to an end next week when it is officially re-opened.

The chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, Della Cannings, will perform the ceremony on Friday at Thornton-le-Street and North Kilvington Village Hall, near Thirsk.

Residents and hall trustees have been planning the improvements and raising funds for the last four years.

The building now has new heating, lighting, electrics and damp proofing, full disabled access and toilets and a modern kitchen. It has also been completely redecorated.

Hall secretary Isabel Hunter said: "An important aspect was the amazing amount of volunteer help given by residents and friends of the village. They turned their hands to whatever was required and this helped to maximise the funds raised."

Mrs Hunter also thanked North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council, Awards for All, National Grid and the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales, which all helped fund the project.

The hall is now available for use by people from the surrounding communities for private and public events. More information is available from booking secretary Peter Bellas, on (01845) 522289.