A NEW village hall in Tintinhull was officially opened by actress Sarah Parish. 

The new hall, which opened on Saturday, April 28, was funded by a £40,000 grant from South Somerset District Council (SSDC) and a £765,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. 

Before the hall was opened, Sarah, who grew up in Somerset, recalled how she had performed in a pantomime on the stage of Tintinhull's previous village hall at the age of two. 

The 49-year-old actress is well known for her work on television series including Doctor Who, Merlin, Atlantis and W1A. 

The hall was built with the support of a small project group and has a seating capacity of 150 people with a stage, dressing rooms and access onto the village green through the patio doors.

There is also a cafe in the hall which is open four days a week as well as a meeting room, a kitchen and a bar. 

 Jo Roundell Greene, ward member for Tintinhull for SSDC, said:  “It was a pleasure to support the village and planning group to achieve this huge and lasting success for Tintinhull. 

"The community will enjoy the benefits of having an up-to-date and central meeting place for years to come”.