A village community centre's new £35,000 multi-purpose activity loft has been officially opened.

The Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker performed the ceremony on Monday at the Old Grammar School Community Centre in Station Road.

The new large multi-purpose 'Ribble Room' has been created in the void above a false ceiling at the hub on behalf of Whalley Educational Foundation.

Funding of £35,000 came from Laurus Homes, now part of L&Q, with additional financial assistance from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and the National Lottery.

In attendance were representatives of some of the groups who use the centre, volunteers, contractors and potential users of the building.

This room will enable the centre to accommodate more physical and theatrical activities and is more flexible for room hire bookings.

The new space is part of a six-year project to improve the Grade II listed centre.

Its first booking has been confirmed and will feature Egyptian belly dancing.

The Community Centre was established in the Old Grammar School in 2013.

Run by the charitable organisation Whalley Educational Foundation established in 1914 to ‘promote the education of local children, it currently offers preschool, adult education, arts and crafts such as woodwork, sewing, pottery, vocational training and space for community meetings.

As well as the community centre, Whalley Sports Club will receive £20,000 and Whalley in Bloom has been awarded £15,000 from the overall £70,000 awarded by the Laurus Community Foundation Fund.