Work to build a �700,000 village hall in Hopton, near Yarmouth, will start in January it was confirmed yesterday.And as Mike Butcher, chairman of the village hall management trust, said that work will commence on January 5 he thanked the local community for supporting the scheme.

Work to build a �700,000 village hall in Hopton, near Yarmouth, will start in January it was confirmed yesterday.

And as Mike Butcher, chairman of the village hall management trust, said that work will commence on January 5 he thanked the local community for supporting the scheme.

Although the National Lottery has provided �490,000 for the Station Road project, donations from individuals, including �2,000 made yesterday, have made sure the work can go ahead.

The new two storey hall, which will replace the village's 70-year-old hall, will be able to host sporting activities, such as badminton, and provide spacious room for community groups and events.

Mr Butcher said: “The contracts are in place and we had a site visit on Tuesday. It is all hands to the pump now.

“I have been humbled by the support given by the people in the community we have received.”

Yarmouth Borough Council has provided a �50,000 grant for the hall and the village hall committee has put forward �60,000 for the work.

Donations can still be made to the new village hall by contacting Hopton Parish Council on 01502 730110.