A village hall which has been in the pipeline for 11 years has had its official opening celebrations.

Filby's Village Hall was given its official launch on Saturday, after work to complete the site was finished in June.

Hundreds of people came to celebrate the hall's arrival over three days of events.

It was paid for by £140,000 which was raised locally, and was boosted by a £500,000 lottery grant.

At the ceremony, supporters unveiled a memorial clock to the lady who organised the first fund raising event, as well as a plaque naming 60 people who donated bricks to be used as part of an appeal behind the project.

More than 100 children attended a halloween party at the venue before the venue was launched, and there was also live music to round off the night.

Adrian Thompson, chairman of Filby Playing Field Committee, said that the building is more suitable for those in the community.

He said: 'The old wooden club house could only host up to 30 people and it was not fitting for the community of Filby.

'The new hall is much more suitable, it is a great place for people to come and relax.

'The weekend's activities were a great way to celebrate years of hard work and fundraising to make it happen.'

As part of the preparations, children attended the village hall on Friday to carve pumpkins which were to be used as part of Saturday's decorations.

The celebrations continued into Sunday night as hundreds of people watched on in awe at a fireworks display.

A whole host of community groups and clubs are to use the centre including; Filby Parish Council; Filby and Runham Football Club; the WI, Filby Bowls Club, the computer club and local fitness classes.

Work on the village hall was official completed in June this year, and various charity events have already been held at the site.

The new 440sq m building, built by M S Oakes of Lowestoft, boasts a spacious main room, stage and dressing room as well as changing rooms and a modern kitchen.

The venue will hold private parties and weddings, while plans were being put in place by Broadland Theatre Group to put together stage shows at the location.

Are you opening up a new venue? Email Kieran.Lynch@archant.co.uk