A CELEBRATION was held last weekend to commemorate the 20th anniversary of a popular village hall.

In 1999, Bartley Village Hall, known affectionately as the 'Green Tin Church', opened.

The hall was once threatened with demolition, but the hard work of the local community saved the century old building and ensured its restoration into the village hall it is today.

The total cost of the project was about £110,000. Several organisations agreed to give grants, totalling £70,000, but only on condition the remainder was raised by the villagers.

A toast was raised to the pioneers of Bartley Village Hall and Betty Mann was then asked to cut the celebration cake.

Betty was one of the early fund-raisers and is still the booking clerk for the hall after 20 years.