It has stumped up £10,000, which has been used to help build an extension, which will replace old shed that was in a sorry state after being used for more than 30 years.

A new room has also been built, which can be hired out. This will act as a separate venue to the original hall, so there will be two areas for residents to use.

The total cost of the extension was about £80,000 and it took 13 weeks to build.

The Veolia Environmental Trust has contributed £5,000 to the project, awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Chawton Parish Council has been given £3,500 and Hampshire County Council has contributed £6,750.

A total of £20,000 will be used from village hall funds and the grant-giving charity the Garfield Weston Foundation gave £3,000.

One of the hirers of the hall, the Alton Spiritualist Church, gave £1,000.

Villagers made donations to the scheme and some also 'bought a brick' to help raise money.

Cllr Patrick Burridge, Chawton's local district councillor, said: "I am delighted that EHDC has awarded this grant to such a worthwhile scheme.

"The hall is a tremendous community facility and this extension was an important enhancement."

Cllr Hilary Ayer, EHDC's portfolio holder for youth and community safety, said: "This extension has created very valuable extra space for the community.

"It's a lovely village and the village hall is a great asset."

The architect was Adrian Bird from Liphook and the builder was Cliff Harris from Countryside Builders in Lindford.