The unveiling ceremony was carried out by Grace and Jack Starsmore. Grace is the sole surviving member of the original village hall committee established in the '60s, and Jack has lived in Yarwell for more than 80 years.

Completion of the project was the culmination of many years' hard work by villagers, who organised fund-raising events and activities.

There were a number of generous individual donations, but key to reaching the target were grants from Northamptonshire County Council, East Northants Council, King's Cliffe Environmental Association, The Garfield Weston Foundation and Cory Environmental.

Representatives from these organisations, together with others from the building contractors and architects, joined villagers to enjoy the ceremony which was followed by a chance to look round the new facilities and have afternoon tea.

An extension has been built to provide extra space to the existing hall and two new rooms have been added at the back, one for smaller meetings and the other for much needed storage space.

Other improvements include oil-fired central heating, new windows, plastered walls throughout and, thanks to a large private donation, the installation of a new, lower ceiling with integral lighting.

The approach road has been resurfaced and a further area gravelled for car parking.

For details about hiring the hall, call Sue Sardeson on 01780 783622.