Marchwood village hall has been transformed by a major improvement scheme that cost more than the original building.

Grants from the Community Fund and other organisations have enabled villagers to give the hall its biggest facelift since it opened in 1993. The new-look building boasts an extension housing two changing rooms with a large storage area above.

Many of the other improvements are aimed at helping disabled visitors to the centre, which is used by a large number of community groups.

Guests at the re-opening were welcomed by parish councillor Darryl Hindle, chairman of Marchwood Community Association, who outlined the history of the scheme. He paid tribute to the role played by former parish councillor Mike Richardson and hall manager Barbara Allen.

The bill for the improvements totalled £307,000, compared with the £240,000 it cost to build the hall.

The community association also received £10,000 from New Forest District Council, £7,500 from Hampshire County Council, and £5,000 from Marchwood Parish Council - as well as supplying £10,000 itself.