Take a look inside the newly-revamped Diss Corn Hall

The new entrance to the Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

More than 100 people turned out on Friday, May 5 to see inspirational war veteran and double amputee Duncan Slater join Diss Mayor Mike Bardwell in opening the newly-renovated arts venue.

The historic arts centre has been closed for two years whilst a range of improvements were made to the 19th century building in order to modernise it.

Mr Bardwell opened the event by thanking all for attending what was the culmination a lot of hard work and community effort.

He thanked and named the various organisations and individuals including the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Corn Hall Trust, Norfolk and South Norfolk councils and private Diss businesses whom, amongst others, supported the project.

The new entrance to the Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Having recently completed the gruelling Marathon des Stables in the Sahara desert, Sgt Slater - who lives in nearby Scole - said: 'Being asked to open Diss Corn Hall is a real honour.'

'I just want to say a massive thank you and I feel very proud to be here. Since my family moved to the area in 2012, I've had the most amount of local support.'

Built in 1854, after 162 years Diss Corn Hall was in desperate need of investment to save it from serious water damage and to upgrade outdated facilities.

After two years of closure, it is hoped the renovated building will once again be at the centre stage of community life in Diss.

Angela Sykes, Corn Hall director, with Diss town mayor, Mike Bardwell, right, and Graham Minshull, leader of Diss town council, in the main hall in the new-look Corn Hall after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Angela Sykes, director of the Corn Hall, said: 'The finished result is even better than we could have hoped for and, now that we'll be open all day, we want everyone to come in and take advantage of all the new facilities on offer.

'Whether it's during the day to catch a daytime film, to find out more about the history of the area or tourist information or to pop in for a relaxing coffee or bite of lunch - or in the evening for a drink and to enjoy one of our great evening shows - the Corn Hall welcomes you.'

Diss Town Council leader Graham Minshull added: 'It's amazing, after 10 years, to see people coming through the front door. It's just absolutely amazing. I'm buzzing.'

Dressing rooms at the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The timeline of the Corn Hall in the upstairs gallery at Diss after the Hall's refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The café bar area and upstairs gallery at the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The café bar area and upstairs gallery at the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

One of the history boards which are dotted around the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The main hall in the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Diss town mayor, Mike Bardwell, in the new-look Council Chamber, awaiting new furniture, at the Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The café bar area at the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The upstairs gallery at the new-look Corn Hall at Diss after its refurbishment. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)