Villagers have launched a fundraising campaign to help make vital improvements to their village hall.

Ridgewell Village Hall was built to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953 but the facilities have become outdated and the asbestos roof urgently needs to be replaced.

Parish council chairman Nick Rouse said: “If we do not start some upgrade work now then three years down the road we may have lost the hall, because these buildings do deteriorate.”

Mr Rouse said £13,000 had already been raised through Essex County Council and Lottery grants.

To help raise more cash residents will hold a village-wide garage, garden and yard ‘sale trail’ on Sunday, July 27, with up to 20 stalls around the village.