PEOPLE of all ages recently enjoyed a 'last fling' at Meldon Village Hall before the hall is demolished later this month.

Around 100 users of the hall, past and present, gathered for a night of entertainment and a bring and share supper.

Meldon Village Hall Committee treasurer Christine Heard said the hall, which had been there since the 1920s, held some lovely memories for everybody but it no longer complied with health and safety regulations.

'I think we are all sad but sometimes we have to look forward,' she said.

'We need to provide something better for all the younger ones who are coming on.'

Building work on the new hall is due to start at the end of the month.

A £232,000 grant from the National Lotteries Charity Board was recently given the go-ahead after being put on hold because of a split in the community over the best location for the hall.

The last fling party was originally planned for last spring at the request of the late Barbara Littlejohns, who wished for it to go ahead.

Mrs Littlejohns, who died recently, was secretary of the hall committee and a keen supporter and energetic worker for the village for many years.

The hall treasurer said her help and kindness was greatly missed by her many friends and acquaintances.

'She was a very enthusiastic member of the committee especially towards the new hall,' said Mrs Heard.