THE transformation of Broughton's Victory Hall reached fresh heights as builders started work on the new roof.

The £560,000 project to update the ageing 1930s hall is nearing completion, and project leader Richard Weeks told the Gazette: "It's very exciting - it's also a bit daunting because you realise you've got a facility that's absolutely marvellous, and you want it to be used, and you've got to go out and persuade people this is the hall to use."

Mr Weeks hopes clients from Kepplewray - which offers adventure holidays and field studies to disabled and able-bodied people - will be among those who will enjoy using the revamped hall with its upgraded kitchens and toilets, showers, spacious foyer, improved facade and new lift.

The stage end of Victory Hall has been demolished and rebuilt up to the eaves, and builders were this week putting on rafters for the new roof.

"Before we started work it was a 1930s hall which had not seen much in the way of renovation in 60 years, and it was showing its age," said Mr Weeks.

"The facilities were very poor compared with modern standards, and it looked down at heel, and needed somebody to take it in hand, and see it was given a facelift."

The completed Victory Hall will feature:

l A main hall which can seat 240 people, suitable for weddings, parties, film shows, theatre and concerts.

The stage will be accessible for disabled people.

l A comfortable, well-furnished upstairs meeting room, to seat up to 60 people.

l An enlarged dressing room below the stage, which can also serve as a craft room for activities like claywork, upholstery and batik, or as a meeting room.

The Victory Hall project was divided into two phases.

The first phase began in May 1999 and attracted £75,000 from the National Lottery's 21st Century Halls for England fund; around £92,600 from English Partnerships; £31,000 from the Countryside Agency; £27,000 from South Lakeland District Council; and £ 26,000 from Duddon Parish Council.

Phase two attracted £ 310,390 from the National Lottery's Charities Commission, and included rebuilding the stage end of Victory Hall.

"We are still a bit short for lighting and sound," explained Mr Weeks.

"We've got some money but we would like to have a really state-of-the-art installation so we are looking for further funding."

It is hoped to attract many new users to Victory Hall, such as adult education classes, film clubs and markets, to boost income.

If enough money can be earned, a part-time manager may be employed.

Two major events are planned for the hall this year - a fashion parade on March 29, and a performance of one-act plays by Broughton drama group.

An official opening has not yet been planned.

"If we do, it will be some time in May," said Mr Weeks.

Villagers hope the revamped hall will help Broughton to continue as a thriving, living community, rather than a holiday or 'dormitory' town.

"We want to keep the community going in Broughton," said Mr Weeks, "and the facilities offered by Victory Hall are one way we can do that."