VILLAGERS in Thurrock are celebrating the restoration of their community hall thanks to a £10,000 hand-out and a lot of hard work.

Gardner Hall in Fobbing was facing closure this time two years ago, but the community hall today is a thriving hub of activity due to a £25,000 revamp.

The refurbishment is now complete following addition of a new car-park, made by the grant from Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation's Community Fund.

To get the project off the ground, members of the local community pulled together to raise £10,000 with donations and fundraising events. A further £5,000 was donated by the national Lottery, allowing the Hall to install a new roof, kitchen and disabled facilities.

Gardner Hall chairman Clive Garraway said: "Gardner Hall is now a thriving hub for the community, meeting the needs of people of all ages and interests.

"Every week, the hall is used by groups ranging from girl guides to the local Rotary club. We also host a number of events and celebrations including Christmas lunches, birthday parties and a ladies' Lunch club."

Malcolm Knight, chairman of Fobbing Friends added: "Fobbing Friends are really pleased to have such a first- rate facility on our doorstep. We use Gardner Hall every week for quizzes, auctions, dances and BBQ-nights."

Mike Hursthouse, Chair of the Thurrock Development Corporation's Community Fund added: "We are delighted to have helped fund this project. Following the loss of the bakers, grocers and now the post offfice in Fobbing, we wanted to make sure that Gardner Hall could continue its role as a focal point for community activity.

"This principle of building strong cohesive communities is an important part of the regenerative work undertaken by the Development Corporation."