PEOPLE took part in a duck race to mark the official opening of a new entrance hall and kitchen extension of a village hall near Sedbergh.

Howgill Village Hall has served the community’s social needs for the last half century.

Since being converted from a school in the mid-1960s, the hall, located approximately three miles north of Sedbergh, has hosted domino drives, play groups, W.I. meetings, classes, fund raising events for the nearby Holy Trinity Church and many other celebratory events.

Committee members have been holding fund raising events to provide disabled access and toilet facilities as a result of the kitchen in the hall becoming outdated over time.

Secretary Pepy Keegan put forward applications for grants to help raise money to extend the hall and provide a much-needed entrance hall, fully equipped kitchen, disabled access and facilities.

The grants were successfully awarded by the National Lottery Community Fund, YDNP Sustainable Development Fund, Sedbergh Community fund, Frieda Scott Charitable Foundation and the Hadfield Trust.

A celebration unveiling the new facilities was enjoyed by over 100 people in the sunshine on May 28 followed by a Duck Race and refreshments in the hall.