THE long-awaited opening of a Kent village hall received a royal seal of approval after being opened by the Duke of Kent.

His Royal Highness visited the new parish hall in Lower Higham Road, Chalk, near Gravesend, to look at the £500,000 makeover.

Fundraising, spearheaded by Chalk vicar Nigel Bourne and a small action group,has taken eight years, and the hall a further year to re-build.

Mr Bourne said the hall site had been the focal point of the village for more than 150 years. He added: “A complete redesign was the only cost-effective solution.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support we have received, both financially and practically, in the rebuilding of this essential community facility.”