RESIDENTS at Lovesome Hill, between Darlington and Great Smeaton, aim to raise £15,000 for improvements to the village hall.

The building is more than 100 years old and was originally a school, the last pupils leaving 60 years ago.

Fundraiser Mary Pearson said villagers wanted to improve the heating system, repair the roof and install a disabled toilet.

She said: "Once you start thinking about what improvements you need, it seems to escalate.

"We're a rural community and it is important we try to keep this together because it is our only meeting place."

An afternoon tea on Sunday brought the total raised to £1,000, with more money coming from the sale of a millennium photograph.