BIRTLEY Village Hall is celebrating a recent refurbishment by hosting a series of events.

In the last six months, the hall in the North Tyne village has undergone a facelift, with new interiors and a bustling social calendar to go with it.

After the success of an open gardens event earlier in the month, which raised more than £900, the committee is keen to continue putting the hall to good use.

The next big event for the thriving community is a sportsmans’ dinner on Friday, September 9.

Guests will be joined by ex-Newcastle United footballer Micky Quinn and comedian John Lory.

Sponsored by Coulson Constructions Limited and Battlesteads Hotel, there will be a pie and peas supper, auction and raffle.

Tickets are available now from Birtley Village Hall’s Facebook page.

Money for the refurbishment was raised through grants, quiz nights and hire.

The hall is regularly used by the church and local history, craft and gardening groups.

The hall has also recently been granted a licence to sell alcohol and the committee hopes to install a bar soon.

Dean Rowell, treasurer of the Birtley Village Hall committee, said: “A lot of village halls are under threat of closure, but Birtley is certainly the other way.

“Lots of people in the village are wanting to do new things and get involved. There are lots of ideas that people are keen to progress.”