Lots of people went to the official opening of a parish hall following its £47,000 make-over.

Setmurthy Parish Hall, near Cockermouth, threw open its doors and welcomed people to look around and see what was on offer. The committee is hoping lots of people/ groups will use the premises.

"There was an enjoyable and well attended opening ceremony, with more than 50 people there," said a spokesman.

"There was plenty of home made refreshments and an exhibition of crafts.

"This has helped to created more interest in the hall for future bookings."

The hall was closed in August 2018 for major repairs.

Large areas of plaster were removed, exposing the source of a main area of damp. Roof repairs were done, walls re-plastered and the hall was painted. A new heating system was installed and a ramp to improve disabled access was built.

In September 2019 the hall was reopened and further grant funding was applied for to complete the refurbishment.

The second phase of work started the following year. A disabled toilet was created, outside doors and railings were fitted.

The hall consists of a main function room which holds 40, kitchen, disabled toilet, outbuildings and extensive grounds.

It is is used for church meetings, fundraising and social occasions. Pre-pandemic, it was used by a craft group, table tennis players, a ceilidh band and dancers, first responder training and children's parties.

Chairman Peter Laws said: "We now have a hall that is fit for purpose.

"It is warm, light, airy and comfortable, in a pleasant rural situation.”