A group of community volunteers who took on an 18th century hall are appealing for help to bring their ambitious redevelopment plans to fruition.

The Rifle Hall in Halesworth is thriving a year after an especially set-up trust took over the historic building from Waveney District Council.

However further community assistance is now required to ensure the group's �500,000 improvement plans can take place.

The hall, which dates back to 1792, is in need of a major overhaul and although planning permission has been secured to refurbish it and replace two extensions, help is needed to raise money for the work.

A bid is being submitted to the Reaching Communities Fund, which is hoped will cover a significant part of the cost, and the trust is calling on the community to show just how important the building is to them.

John Marshall-Potter, one of the trustees, said: 'The Rifle Hall was once the heart of Halesworth, providing a thriving venue, but for the past decade it has been left to fester and decline. Our idea is to give the Rifle Hall back to Halesworth as a community space to be proud of.

'We'd rather like to restore it to its former glory, and more.'

Plans for its improvement include installing a professional kitchen, bar area, office space and meeting facilities, as well as a new maple floor. It is hoped the work can start in June 2013 and will take six months.

For more details or to help, go to an open day at the hall on Saturday, July 14 or email info@theriflehall.co.uk

richard.wood@archant.co.uk