SOLAR Power will help a century-old village hall to service the local community for another one hundred years.

The Much Marcle Memorial Hall committee plans to spend £7000 on solar panels for the roof.

A grant of £4500 has been secured, leaving a shortfall of £2500 for the work.

This will be met from hall contingency funds, which will need to be replenished through a fund-raising drive.

The hall, which is set to screen Flicks in the Sticks films during the winter months, is central to community life; and was built to commemorate the village's fallen, in the First World War.

Hall committee chairman, Scott Fleming said: "The grant application was successful, but because of the number of applications submitted, the award fell about £2,500 short of the £7000 required to purchase and fit the panels and associated equipment of our choice.

"At a recent committee meeting, it was agreed to use a significant part of our “contingency” fund to make up the shortfall, as we felt we could not give up the opportunity the grant award had given us

provides a focal point for the people of Much Marcle and surrounding villages. It serves as a venue of choice for a varied range of activities from Amateur Dramatics to children’s parties. The premises are kept clean, warm and welcoming."

And soon the hall will be generating its own electricity.

Mr Fleming said: "As we mark 100 years since the outbreak of the Great War, we felt it important to plan for the next 100 years so that future generations can benefit from an eco-friendly historic building."

The hall funds will be replenished through local fund-raising and the revival of the Much Marcle 200 Club.

Villagers will be asked to buy an annual subscription, at £12 a year, with the chance of winning a cash prize in a quarterly draw.

Application forms will be available shortly from Much Marcle Stores.

In the meantime, donations to hall funds will be welcome.

Further details on 01531 660338.