A parish hall is to be rebuilt in a project which has received more than £230,000 in funding. Linkinhorne Parish Hall in Upton Cross was opened in 1963 and is well used by the local community.

However, the leaky roof and poor insulation make it a cold and damp place to be in the winter and there are inadequate toilet and kitchen facilities.

When Anne Hughes, who chairs the hall committee, took on the role two years ago, there was already £30,000 in place towards a rebuild. Then came the news that former chairman John Bartlett had left a legacy of £50,000.

Plans were drawn up, and grant applications began in earnest.

In September this year, two large sums were awarded in the space of 10 days: £100,000 from Sita, plus £50,000 from Viridor Credits.

So in January, the hall will be pulled down. While the new building will look similar from the outside, it will boast a slate roof and solar panels. The interior is set for a complete rethink, with a new kitchen and toilets, modular staging, and improved soundproofing and storage.

The creation of a small meeting room, to be named the John Bartlett Room, will make the hall more versatile, said Anne.

Over the coming two months, a drop-in cafe will be held on Thursday afternoons where residents can view the plans.

Donations for coffee and cake will be shared between the hall and the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank.

The hall will close its doors on December 31 with a big farewell event.