A historic hall has re-opened to the public after a £25,000 facelift.

Victoria Hall in Queensbury has been refurbished thanks to funding from Bradford Council's Sports and Leisure service and the Urban Village Partnership Initiative.

Queensbury is one of 11 villages across the district to be given cash under the scheme.

The work on the Victoria Hall, built as a concert venue in the 1880s, included a new floor, lighting and work to improve the stage. Walls have also been re-plastered and ornamental carvings cleaned.

The work is part of an ongoing project to improve the village which has seen it and the other ten villages - Baildon, Wibsey, Low Moor, Wyke, Thornton, Heaton, Oakworth, Riddlesden, Eccleshill and Idle - each receive funding of £75,000.

John Breen, Bradford South area co-ordinator, said: "The key thing about this funding was that it was the residents who chose how it was spent in their village."

Urban Village Committees helped decide on how the money was spent.

Councillor Tracey McNulty (Con, Queensbury) said: "The Hall is used by a lot of people in Queensbury and it is wonderful to have had it redecorated.

"It is a fantastic resource in the community and many people will benefit from the improvements.

"The money has really helped to pull the community together it has been a big boost."

A group of Irish dancers were among the first to benefit and hold their rehearsals at the hall every Thursday.

Mary Lewis, who runs the group, said the improvements at the hall were wonderful.

"The new floor is beautiful and the stage is a real asset. The work has greatly improved the facility for the dancers," said Mrs Lewis.

"I'm hoping lots of other people will come along and take advantage of the new and improved facility."

Funding has also been allocated to put up lighting at an all-weather football pitch at Queensbury Upper School and refurbish the Scouts headquarters.

Earlier this month, members of the Heaton Urban Village Partnership met to discuss how its funding would be spent.

Steve Warner head of Bradford Council's Sports and Leisure Service said: "We are very grateful to the Queensbury Urban Village Partnership for providing these additional funds.

"It has enabled us to extend our improvement programme into the main hall and significantly improve this facility for the local community."