Community spirit has helped Bigrigg Village Hall to renovate its bar area.

Councillor Peter Tyson, who finished his year as chairman of Copeland Council last week, stopped off in the village to officially open the new bar.

Volunteers and local businesses have spent the past month carrying out refurbishments and celebrated at an open evening.

Andrew Ross, from the village hall, said: “It was a success, everyone enjoyed the night and the locals were chuffed with the new bar.

“I took three bookings on the night including a wedding. Peter Tyson, who was previously a landlord, also gave it the thumbs up and said he was impressed with the set-up.

“It has taken four weeks of non-stop work with a lot of input from retired people getting involved and it has brought the hall up to date.”

He thanked Mick Ferguson for his joinery work, Stable Yard Joinery, Cleator Moor Upholstery Service, Jewsons Egremont, Beer Express Cockermouth, Travis Perkins Cleator Moor, Steves Paints, Marion Lamb and Emma Scott.

Bigrigg Village Hall hosts a number of groups during the week including dance fitness classes, guides and the WI, and it can be booked for functions. For more information call 07764 935678.