A VILLAGE hall which is undergoing extensive refurbishment works has had a £3,000 boost from a building society fund.

The Charitable Foundation at the Skipton Building Society donated the cash to the Booth Memorial Institute in Catterick Village, near Richmond.

The Booth Memorial Institute is often used by many organisations and local groups, but it needed improved disabled access.

Margaret Tickner, part of the Friends of Booth Memorial Hall group, said: "The hall is on two levels so we need a step lift to allow people in wheelchairs to be able to use all of the hall.

"The money from Skipton Building Society will go towards the lift so it is greatly appreciated."

The work to the outside of the hall, including a new roof and new windows, has already been completed, and now the focus has turned to inside the building.

She said: "This year we will install the lift and have new electrics installed. Once that is complete we can redecorate, and finally move on to a new kitchen.

"It is a big project but we have been supported amazingly well by the local community.

"As well as grants from the county, district and parish councils, and other charitable funds, our monthly and weekly events have brought in a steady income.

"We hold a monthly lunch club which brings in around £100 and a weekly tea and cake morning, which generates around £50."

Christopher Bakewell, branch manager at Skipton Building Society’s Bedale branch, said: “All public buildings should be available to everyone in the community.

"People should not feel discriminated against and categorised by their abilities, so I'm happy we can help."