THE Prime Minister officially opened a village hall near Witney after it underwent a £300,000 renovation.

The project has seen South Leigh village hall fully renovated and a new extension built to house a kitchen and toilets.

Villagers raised more than a third of the money themselves.

Witney MP David Cameron officially opened the hall on Friday, before flying to China to boost Britain’s trade links. Phyllis Broome, who was born and raised in the village, was asked to hold the ribbon which the Prime Minister cut.

Mrs Broome, of Witney, said she was honoured to be asked to take part.

The 82-year-old said: “I lived in South Leigh until I married, when I was 20. In my day the village hall was the primary school and my brother and I both went there, as did my mother when she was a girl, up until about 1921.

“It was nice to have Mr Cameron there and he seemed to enjoy being there. He is a very nice person and I had a nice conversation with him.”

Mr Cameron said: “What a beautiful village hall.

“I was delighted to meet two remarkable ladies associated with its past as a school and to see the fine result of its refurbishment, supported by grants from many local organisations and donations.

“This is a real success for local government working in the community.”