INSTALLATION of double-glazed windows has begun in the latest stage of refurbishment to Skeeby village hall, near Richmond.

The work is funded by a £6,500 grant from Yorventure, and marks another milestone in villagers' efforts to give the 100-year-old building a facelift.

The hall was converted to community use from two cottages in 1977, and improvement work began three years ago.

Work has included a new kitchen, damp proof course and roof, internal redecoration, and carpeting in the main room.

Peter Gray, village hall committee chairman, said: "The building is in a prominent position, and the present state of the windows spoils the overall look of the village.

"The grant will have the two-fold effect of improving the exterior, and retaining more heat inside, which is great from an environmental point of view."

Yorventure is backed by Northallerton waste management company Yorwaste.

The landfill tax credit scheme allows operators to invest some of the tax they collect on behalf of the Government in environmental projects near their sites.