Green-fingered children planted flowers in the grounds of the newly-renovated Downham Village Hall.

The Downham Pre-School children were helping to celebrate the completion of a £22,400 improvement project at the hall.

Repairs and structural work took place at the building including re-pointing, roof insulation, 18 new double glazed windows and a complete redecoration.

There is also a new seating area with stone chips and planters outside and the Downham Stage Two theatre group funded a new stage area carpet and curtains.

Olivia Assheton, secretary of the Downham Hall Committee, said: “The work involved a great deal of voluntary time.

"We would like to particularly express our gratitude to Andrew Ratcliffe and Shaun Roney for many hours of work and to the Downham Estate for funding much of their time.

“Des Barlow and his son kindly undertook a lot of work on rusty pipes and heaters without charge and Dave Awbery laid all the new carpet.”

Lancashire Environment Fund contributed £13,500, with Ribble Valley Council contributing £6,500 and the Downham Trust and the Ribble Valley Strategic Partnership giving £1,200.

Chairman Shaun Roney, said: “What was already a fantastic and well-used community resource can now compete for business with top venues – whether for parties, weddings or other celebrations or business meetings and presentations.”

An open day is being held on June 11.