Actress Jan Francis has spoken of her support for the village she has made her home.

Miss Francis, best known for playing Penny in the TV comedy Just Good Friends, made the draw at a raffle to raise funds for a new annexe at Woodchurch Memorial Hall.

The dilapidated current annexe is used by the Woodchurch Players and the village tennis club.

Miss Francis said: “I have lived in the village for a long time and the Players are a group close to my heart. I also know a lot of tennis club members.

“The raffle has been a great coming together of the village. The annexe will be for future generations and will be put to good use – it will be wonderful.

“The hall is on my doorstep and the annexe is for things I care about.”

Villagers need to raise £93,000 to pay for a replacement building. So far they have £60,000, but work cannot start until they have all the money.

The raffle, which raised £4,125, was the idea of Nick and Philippa Jones. Mr Jones is treasurer of the Players and his wife is a tennis club member.

“We are delighted with the result,” said Mrs Jones. “The biggest thing has been the support from so many people.

“The community spirit has been great. So many people came forward to sell tickets.”

Mr Jones presented the raffle takings to Tom Thorp, chairman of the hall committee.

Prizes included a week in a holiday home in Brittany, theatre tokens and spa vouchers.