FOR the first time in its history, Broom now has its very own village hall for community events and meetings.

A building in High Street, opposite the post office, was until now used by the village's WI for meetings after it was donated to the organisation in the 1930s.

But after the WI decided they did not really have a great need for it and after negotiations with the Charity Commission, the building was handed over to the people of the village.

Fundraisers now want to appeal to residents to help raise the cash which is desperately needed to keep it as a community facility.

Village hall committee spokesman Roy Lester said: "There has never been a village hall in Broom and there has always been a great need for one.

"We know most of the people in the village will answer the call to raise funds to carry out repairs, pay bills etc - but there will be some people we'll have to really encourage to get out of their armchairs and help.

"This is a community facility and we have high hopes for it, we would love the whole community to be involved."

The WI officially handed over the keys at a barbecue on Saturday and a cheque for £1,000 was received from the Broom Jubilee Committee.