The heart of a village community has been given a new lease of life after a major refurbishment.

A revamp of Dalston’s Victory Hall has just been completed - the first time the early 20th century building had received major works since the 1950s.

Now boasting new kitchen, toilet and storeroom facilities, hall committee chairman Mick Ryan described the hall as “totally transformed”.

“The facilities weren’t really fit for purpose anymore,” he said.

“There was a lot of dampness in the walls.

“It’s been brought up to modern standards now - it’s been totally transformed.

“It still retains the original character of the building, outside and inside, but it’s been brought up to a modern specification.”

Mick described the hall as “very well loved in the local community”.

“The hall is very much at the heart of the village community,” he said.

“The hall is used constantly. We’ve got groups using it in the day and in the evening.

“There’s art clubs, there’s drama clubs, there’s the WI and more - there’s stuff going on most days of the week.

“At the weekend we’ve got regular tango dancing - our intention is to increase the usage on the weekends when it’s not being used by having christenings, parties, weddings and that sort of thing.”

Mick explained that the hall’s name came from its original purpose; it was built in 1922 to commemorate the efforts and sacrifice of those who fought in World War One.

“It’s not a listed building but it is a heritage building,” he said.

The total cost of the refurbishment - carried out by

Carlisle firm McKnight and Sons - came to just under £300,000.

“A significant part of the funding came from donations that had been left through wills and bequests over the years,” Mick said.

Next week’s Dalston’s village festival brings a perfect opportunity to show off the hall, with an open afternoon taking place on Thursday.