PLANS for a major facelift of Wilmcote village hall received a boost last week when the Carnegie UK Trust announced it was donating £5,000 towards a new stage.

Chairman of the village hall trust, Jennie Barrie, said the money would come in particularly handy as the group was hoping to establish a community arts facility in Wilmcote.

The whole hall needs improvement and the trust is fund-raising on a constant basis, with £40,000 in the coffers so far.

The grant is part of the Scotland-based trust's programme of donations to village and community halls around the country, which has seen £900,000 donated since 1991.

Enthusiastic villagers have already staged pantomimes and other productions in what is a very basic building by hiring scaffolding and stage blocks, but Mrs Barrie said it would be a huge boon for the village if they could enjoy proper facilities.

Ward member, Sir William Lawrence, said the cash boost was excellent news and he hoped the village could soon move forward with a facility of which to be proud.

"This is just what Wilmcote needs and I am delighted that the Carnegie Trust has donated the money to help the committee along," he said.