A VILLAGE hall that was given a £27,500 lottery grant to mark its centenary is starting its celebrations next week.

Cowshill Village Hall will use the cash to create a touring exhibition and book on the social history of the Upper Weardale area.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is backing the project with more support from Wear Valley District Council through an Arts Access grant of £500 and Neighbourhood Arrangements funding of £200.

It is launched on December 12 at a Beamish Museum Heritage Quiz in the hall, where the museum will provide mystery objects for the audience to identify.

The event starts at 7.30pm. Admission is free but places are limited. Call Ian Reedman on 01388-537230.