PUPILS and staff at a village school are celebrating after securing a £60,000 grant to improve their school's facilities.

The school, at Luttons, near Malton, will use the money to renovate a community hall and convert it into a gymnasium and mini-theatre.

The brick and concrete hall was recently given to the school by the trustees.

Headteacher Tracey Gilbank said: "It was a very kind gesture but because of its condition we needed money to restore it and make it suitable for school use."

Now the county council's education authority has agreed to fund the work. "We are absolutely delighted - it's a very exciting venture for the school," said Mrs Gilbank.

The hall has not been used for some time, but the rest of the village will benefit from the work as the hall will be open to all residents. Until now, the school dining hall has had to double as a gym.