CELEBRATIONS by villagers in Old Cleeve this week were raising the roof after they learned of a National Lottery funding award for the Lysaght Village Hall and Club.

A further £20,000 grant has been awarded to complete the re-roofing of the 100-year old community building.

Club treasurer Angie Ovens said: “This is fantastic news.

“When we started this project in 2018 we knew that it would be a long haul.

“We initially replaced the roof over the village hall, followed by the snooker room and dining room roof.

“This third and final phase will see the roof over the kitchen and bar area replaced in the coming months.”

The hall was given to the community by Gerald Lysaght in 1923 and the club will celebrate its centenary in 2026.

Ms Ovens said the new grant would ensure future generations would be able to enjoy his legacy.

She said: “We have a beautiful village hall, skittle alley, and classic Edwardian snooker room, together with a licensed bar and dining room.

“We have had fantastic support from the National Lottery and many other grant funders, who have all recognised that the Lysaght is a unique facility being entirely run by volunteers.

“The ‘Raising the Roof’ project has cost over £100,000 and it is an incredible achievement.

“Our thanks go to all those people who play the National Lottery and made this latest grant possible, but also to the local community and club members who have raised substantial sums and continue to support us.”