A VILLAGE hall is among several winners of a Lottery fund grant that will enable its committee to completely revamp and improve its facilities for the community.

Knayton Village Institute, near Thirsk, has received almost £10,000 to fund work that has already started to improve insulation and heating in the hall.

The Big Lottery Fund grant of £9,970 will also pay for a replacement entrance door to reduce heat loss to maintain the use of the building throughout winter.

There are also plans to install a new fridge freezer and extractor fan so the kitchen area is adequate for food preparation for new activities including a lunch club for the elderly.

This will enhance the use of the building as a community hub and reduce isolation of older people.

Chairman Keith Smith said he was very grateful to all who helped in the process.

“The committee decided to take on the work because we wanted to bring the hall forward and keep it going for future users.

“Nicky Smith at Northallerton Voluntary Services was a great help – she has a wealth of knowledge on what funding can be gained and she went through the whole process with us.

“Included in the grant is £1,000 from Yorkshire Energy Partnership, who gave us advice on insulation.

“We already have a wide variety of users from the Guides, a women’s group, North Country Theatre, a gardening club, the domino drive and a dance group – the Scouts recently moved to a new venue but I find when one door closes another opens.”

Anne McIntosh, MP for Thirsk, Malton and Filey, said it was excellent news for the project.

She said: “I would like to congratulate Knayton Village Institute on receiving funding for their project. It is a great achievement and will provide many opportunities.”

“Without the Big Lottery Fund awards, many local projects would not proceed, and so local communities would lose out.

“I am proud to support the Big Lottery Awards and the aid that they give to local communities.”

Shipton Village Hall, in York, also received £10,000 for a new roof and Sutton on the Forest Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School received £9,843 for a sheltered outdoor learning area.