PLANS to develop a grade I-listed hall and provide a jobs boost for a market town are well under way, with the construction of a £250,000 extension.

Bedale Hall, in Bedale, will house a children's centre, one of a network provided by North Yorkshire County Council, when the work is completed.

The project started late last year, with the demolition of a garage at the back of the hall, which dates back to the 18th Century.

Work to replace it with the single-storey extension, which is similar in style to stables that stood on the site many years ago, started last week. It is expected to be completed by April, creating a number of jobs.

The total cost of the scheme, which is being jointly-funded by Yorkshire Forward and English Heritage, is £257,000.

Yvonne Rose, a member of the hall management committee, said: "What we had before was a very large, pebble-dashed building, with a corrugated iron roof.

"It simply did not fit with a Georgian, grade I-listed building. The next extension will have a pitched roof, it will be properly tiled, with nice brickwork.

"We are not trying to imitate the grandeur of Bedale Hall itself, simply provide something that complements it. " Sharon Jones, manager of the children's centre, said: "The new building will give us a hub for the various services we provide, somewhere parents and parents-to-be can come to participate in activities, or access information about parenthood. " The centre, which currently operates from other community buildings in Bedale, offers help and advice for those expecting a baby and those with youngsters up to and including the age of five, who are living in Bedale and the surrounding villages.

Formore information about the centre, and the services it provides, contact 0845-0349593.

|Bedale Hall is holding its second wedding fair next Sunday, to promote the use of the building for weddings and receptions.

Ms Rose said: "The ballroom is one of the most stunning rooms in the area.

"Because we are a charitable trust, it has to be one of the most affordable venues in the country. " The wedding fair will have 20 exhibitors, with brides-tobe able to get ideas for every aspect of their big day.

It is open between 11am and 4pm. Admission is free.