THERE were celebrations in Studley this week after the village hall committee heard it had won a £50,000 grant to furnish the new building now taking shape in the High Street.

A year of fundraising culminated in success when West Midlands Arts decided to award the lottery money on top of the £10,000 the committee has already raised.

The appeal for cash was the second phase of the village hall project which initially saw nearly £900,000 gathered to build the facility.

The new cash will buy modern stage equipment such as curtains, lights, and a sound system and also modern retractable seating.

On Friday the committee were invited to take a look at how the interior of the new building was taking shape.

The new hall will be used by village schools, amateur dramatic societies, counselling services, the police and the parish council.