A village hall which has served its community for almost 100 years is reopening in time for Christmas following a major refurbishment project.

Ketteringham Village Hall, near Wymondham, will celebrate its official opening tonight, when MP Richard Bacon will be cutting the red ribbon at 7.30pm at the village Christmas party.

The hall closed in October as the �31,000 revamp scheme sprung into action.

A new heating system has been installed, as well as a new porch, ceiling, windows, doors, lighting, insulation and toilets, including one for disabled users.

A new heating system has been installed, as well as a new ceiling, windows, doors, lighting, insulation and toilets, including one for disabled users.

The building's front porch has also been remodelled to prevent children running out of the hall and directly into the road, as well as giving easier access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

On top of that, the hall's wooden floor has been sanded and sealed, the building has been completely re-wired, areas of cladding have been replaced and the walls have been re-decorated.

Its management committee raised the necessary funds for the improvements through securing grants including �10,000 from The Veolia Environmental Trust, �10,000 from the National Lottery Fund, �5,000 from Norfolk Community Foundation Grassroots Grants and �2,000 from South Norfolk Council.

Members also raised an additional �4,000 through community events such as barbecues, previous Christmas parties and hall rental.

Martyn Jordan, the scheme's supervisor and treasurer of the management committee, said: 'This project has made such a wonderful improvement to the hall, directly benefiting all the residents of the village and the surrounding area.

'It is hoped that now the hall has been completely refurbished, without losing any of its charm or character, it will be attractive to a much wider range of activities and uses and has the potential of attracting new groups and organisations.'