Fundraiser for 150-year-old village hall renovations

Villagers have launched a half-a-million-pound fundraiser to save their 150-year-old village hall.

Stewart Village Hall in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire, first opened in 1870 as a school - before later becoming a community site.

But trustees in charge of running the hall now say it requires a "significant investment" of £500,000 to "preserve it for the future".

The group has launched a Buy a Brick fundraiser, which will enable villagers, local businesses and community groups to make a pledge towards the restoration project.

In return, donors will receive a personalised certificate of recognition as "a lasting thank you for their support," trustees explained.

A a special event is being held at the hall at 15:00 BST.

The hall currently hosts local clubs, organisations, celebrations, exercise classes, meetings and community events.

But a spokesperson for the Stewart Village Hall Trustees said it had "always been much more than just a building".

"It is where friendships are made, memories are created and our community comes together."

The spokesperson said the hope was that, through the Buy a Brick campaign, "people will feel they can play a part" in securing the hall's future.

"Every pledge, whatever its size, brings us one step closer to making these essential improvements a reality," they added.

A launch event will give visitors the chance to ask about the restoration plans and meet the trustees involved.