BECKFORD Village Hall has started refurbishment work after fundraising raised thousands.

Work on the outside rendering of the building is well underway, to bring much needed insulation to the building and provide a fresh revitalised look to the outside.

This work is the second phase of an extensive plan to modernise the hall which was originally built in 1937.

Beckford village, with a population of just over 600 people, sits at the foot of Bredon Hill. Within the grounds they have tennis courts, a children's play area , croquet field, and extensive playing fields to enjoy.

The hall attracts many groups such as baby and toddlers, simply soup, pilates classes, meditation meets and sports groups.

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The village hall is cared for by a group of local volunteers who make up the village hall committee and they are excited to see the work underway.

The village hall relies on donations and money generated through fundraising initiatives to pay for the upkeep of the buildings.

While Covid-19 has put a halt to current fundraising events previously they have received £10,000 from Awards for All, £5,000 from Wychavon District Council, £10,0000 from the government Covid-19 fund and a further £3,000 from the Bernard Sunley Foundation.

Yo Yates, a member of the committee and bidding sub team said: "We are so grateful to the generous donations and thank those who play the lottery and allow Awards For All to support so many worthwhile causes like ours.

"We also feel supported by Wychavon District Council as well as our own parish council and local people, we are forever grateful to them all.

"After this we will start to raise money for the third phase of the work, which will involve internal changes such as lowering the high ceilings and updating the electrics throughout the building.

"We are committed to creating a modern, practical and useful community hub that can service the needs of our local community."