Since 2003, the whole community has rallied round and supported fund-raising efforts which culminated with a grant of over £169,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Donations were also received from local businesses, the Sir James Knott Trust, Joicey Trust, De Clermont Trust and Berwick Borough Housing.

The hall, originally built as a school in the 1840s, carefully combines many of the original features with 21st century facilities. With the money received the hall committee commissioned the reroofing of the building and the installation of a ground source heat pump.

During the past year the interior of the building has been gutted, an under floor heating system installed, the walls damp proofed, the building rewired, insulation fitted throughout, the toilets revamped, the kitchen renewed, new floors laid and disabled access put in place.

The work has been carried out by Spittal-based builder George M Craig.
Committee member Peter Calder said: "The building is now warm, light and welcoming so in the future we expect that the hall will be a popular venue for all sorts of activities, events and classes."