A village hall is to undergo a transformation, thanks to charitable donations from a range of sources.

A donation of £20,000 has been granted by the Manx Lottery Trust and will be used to carry out extensive improvements at the St John’s church community hall.

The modernisation and refurbishment will fund installing a heating system throughout the hall and creating a lobby to ensure the main hall stays warm, refurbishing the kitchen, providing a ramp and new doors as well as a disabled toilet and baby changing unit.

The Reverend Canon Margaret Burrow, from St John’s Church Community Hall, said: ’We are so pleased that the refurbishment is progressing, and we are looking forward to seeing the works come to fruition and welcoming new and old friends back to the facility.

’This project couldn’t go ahead without the Manx Lottery Trust, and our other partners and we are so grateful for the support.’

The community hall has also received support from the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, Peel Charity Shop and the R.B.M. Quayle Trust.

There will still be access for disabled people during the renovation of the building.

Other improvements include the creation of extra cupboard space, a link between meeting rooms and a sound proof screen.

Sarah Kelly, chairman of the Manx Lottery Trust, said: ’St John’s church hall plays an important role in the community, particularly in the west of the island and the village itself. These improvements will mean that even more people can benefit.

’The team at St John’s has worked hard and we’re very pleased to ensure such a worthwhile renovation can now go ahead.’

Youth groups and local bodies including the Women’s Institute, Brownies, and Pensioners’ Club regularly hire the facility, which is also used on occasions such as Tynwald Day, Remembrance Sunday and for events like Lenten lunches.

To find out more about the work of the Manx Lottery Trust visit: www.mlt.org.im.