Somersham Victory Hall has been awarded a ‘Hallmark’ accreditation after an inspection showed improvements.

Inspectors were impressed with the management committee’s drive in continuing to improve the facility; a recent upgrade has seen new doors and windows fitted after the trustees received funding to cover the installation.

The hall provides facilities and space for community groups in the area including dance classes, art groups, youth club, fitness classes, slimming groups, martial arts, and film nights, as well as being used for weddings.

Hallmark is a nationally recognised quality standard scheme for village halls and community facilities.

Kirsten Bennett, chief executive of Cambridgeshire ACRE, which manages the Hallmark scheme, said: “We would like to congratulate the trustees and volunteers at Victory Hall on their recent success with Hallmark.

“This accreditation is confirmation of the hard work and dedication of the management committee and supporters of the village hall. I wish them every success as they progress through the next two levels of the scheme.”

Some of the benefits of the accreditation include recognition of the facility, and giving resident’s confidence in the hall. There are three levels to the Hallmark scheme and it is hoped the trustees of Victory Hall will soon go on to achieve the next two levels.

Lesley Minter, chairman of the trustees, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the Hallmark award. The process encouraged us to review some of our policies and practices, and the rigorous attention to detail of our visiting assessors highlighted one or two aspects that we had not fully understood and have now been able to address. “We run a busy centre for many village activities for all ages and abilities that are organised by a great group of community volunteers and entrepreneurs. We are lucky to have such a very committed team of trustees and employees to enable the smooth running of the hall for all who use it. Everyone involved with the hall contributes to its success.”