The residents of a small village have managed to raise an £40,000 to save their community's hall.

People living in Norwood Green raised the cash in just six months to buy the village facility.

When the former St George's Church Hall was put on the market a few years back, villagers were determined to keep it for public use.

After lengthy negotiations they struck a deal and borrowed money to buy it.

Now a massive fundraising effort has seen the village of about 500 people bring in tens of thousands to pay for the hall outright.

"We were in danger of losing the last public meeting place in the village," said Linda Webster, chairwoman of the charitable trust created to spearhead the fundraising campaign.

"We had already lost the post office and the village shop

and this was the only meeting place left.

"We canvassed the whole village every one was in support. There has been a good sense of community spirit in raising the funds. We didn't expect to make £40,000 so quickly.

"This is definitely a milestone for us."

The village hall, which used to be a brewery for the former pub next door, is well used by many local groups. These include the residents' association, the art circle, the good companions and the village friends.

It later became the church hall, although St George's has now been turned into a home. Now the trust has a further challenge.

"The hall needs modernising, including central heating, toilets, disabled access and a new roof. So we must still raise another £20,000 to £30,000 to pay for the work.

"We are hoping to be able to raise the money and complete the work by Christmas, when we will have an official re-opening."

The fundraising team organised various events to make the £40,000, including a summer gala and a Christmas fair.

They are now planning more ways of raising the extra needed, such as a fashion show and a ladies supper evening.

"We hope to encourage more people in the village to use the hall once its completed."