A CHURCH hall built more than 100 years ago could be forced to close due to a lack of use.

Mistley Church Hall, in New Road in the village, is used to host events from christenings and birthday parties, to the screening of films and barn dances.

It was even commandeered at the start of the Second World War for use by the Army.

But with more facilities available for hire in the area, the church hall has seen numbers dwindle and income fail to cover the running costs.

Anna Sallis, of the Parochial Church Committee, which runs the hall, said: “We were aware that expenditure was exceeding the income and the message is if you don’t use it you will lose it, that’s the crux of it."

In a bid to boost numbers using the hall, the committee is holding an open day on Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Coffee and cake will be served alongside photographs of the hall in use, history on the building and the Rev Chris Hills will be giving a presentation at both 10.30am and 11.30am.