Work has begun to transform a 100-year-old south Norfolk village hall into a warm and accessible community venue.

Over the decades, time and the weather have taken their toll on Ketteringham Village Hall, near Wymondham, which led its management committee to spearhead a campaign to fundraise and plans for improvements.

The extensive revamp, which is expected to be complete in time for Christmas, will see modifications to the hall's toilets, including the installation of one for disabled users, and the replacement of several areas of external cladding.

Its front porch will also be re-modelled with access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A new heating system, ceilings, windows and doors, and lighting will also be installed.

Finally, the floor will be sanded and sealed and the whole building rewired and redecorated.

The work will cost about �30,000 and funding has come in the form of �10,000 from the National Lottery Fund, �10,000 from The Veolia Environmental Trust, �5,000 from Norfolk Community Foundation Grassroots Grants and �2,000 from South Norfolk Council.

The hall's management committee has also helped rake in �3,000 though events such as barbecues, Christmas parties and rental to various groups.

Martyn Jordan, the scheme's supervisor and treasurer of the management committee, said: 'This project will directly benefit all the residents of the village and the surrounding area.

'Improving the hall will also increase its potential as a venue for other organisations and users, including wheelchair users and people with prams, bringing fresh opportunities to try out new activities such as dancing, arts and crafts groups, quiz nights, education and instructional events, and mother and baby groups.

'It's great to see the work starting and the village cannot wait to see the revamped hall's doors open.'

The hall, in High Street, is the only community facility in the village. It was built in 1914 to give the village a focal point for meetings and mutual support during the first world war.