PEOPLE are being invited to join a village's celebrations.

It is ten years since a restoration scheme for the Mechanics' Institute at Kirkby Malzeard was first suggested.

The work has just been completed and the new-look village hall is being opened for a preview by the locals it will continue to serve.

The event will take place from 10am to 9pm on Friday, May 19, with an official launch of improved facilities at 10.15am the next day.

Parish council chairman Neil Fraser, who is closely involved with the hall, said the search for funding for the £165,000 project started almost a decade ago.

Where possible, hall officials used local people to carry out the improvement work.

It was decided the hall should be opened by a strong supporter of the project - retired local farmer John Peacock.

The institute was planned in 1848, but it was not until 1852 that work on the building got under way.

The building provides a community home for a range of uses.

A list of those who have supported the project will be displayed in the hall.