A village hall project has received thousands of pounds in funding to help kick-start work in the new year.

Essex County Council’s community initiatives fund has awarded £10,000 to the project in Tolleshunt D’Arcy.

A spokesman said: “The current village hall was erected in 1923 and had previously been a recovery ward for injured service personnel from the First World War on Canvey Island.

“It has been repaired and refurbished over many years but is now close to being beyond economic repair and not fit for purpose.

“With the support of the parish council, the Rural Community Council of Essex conducted a parish-wide survey to get the views of local people. The response was an overwhelming ‘yes’ to support plans to build a new village hall.

“It is recognised the amounts needed are considerable but there is a degree of confidence that funding will be acquired – even if it takes a few years.”

The project is expected to cost between £650,000 and £700,000 to complete. A new working group or residents was formed to oversee it.

Cairman Robert Morgan said: “I am delighted that Essex County Council awarded us £10,000 to get us started. We have a long way to go, but the enthusiastic group of people who have come together are determined to replace the current village hall with a lasting legacy that can be used for the next 100 years.”

Maldon architect Simon Plater of Plater Claiborne has been chosen to undertake the initial work of designing the new building and providing a cost for the work.

There are plans for fundraising events in the new year including a quiz night in February, a family race night in March and other events from April onwards.