A chance to visit England's oldest village hall comes has it is hosting its first-ever spring craft fair this month.

The Dacre Hall, not normally open to the public, will host this fair on two dates, April 9 and 16, and will be open between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

The Dacre Hall at Lanercost forms part of the 12th century Lanercost Priory and gives a real glimpse into the past, where one can see traces of the mid-sixteenth-century wall painting, and admire the large banquet style room with superbly restored roof beams, all miles away from the hustle and bustle of the high street.

Alan Cathers, who chairs the Dacre Hall Committee, said: “Keeping the Hall in good repair is a constant concern and we at the Dacre Hall Committee want to make sure that the Hall is there for future generations to enjoy.

“The Spring Craft Fair is a first for us, and what a great way to welcome the longer days with a trip to Lanercost and to see this amazing building and at the same time helps us to raise the funds to look after this very special place

"Not only is there a wealth of original and creative craft stalls but there are also homemade cakes and refreshments available and a huge raffle.

"You can look forward to a warm welcome at the Dacre Hall and soak up the atmosphere."