THE important role village halls play in their communities will be put under the spotlight at the end of this month.

During 'village halls week', from Monday, January 24 until Sunday, January 30, Community First Yorkshire, the rural community for the whole of Yorkshire, will be raising awareness of the contribution village halls make, as well as inspiring the volunteers who run them to get creative and improve their offer to residents.

It will be the fifth annual event dedicated to the importance of village halls and community venues, giving them the chance to show how they are at the heart of their communities.

This year the focus will be innovating for the future - such as the installation of electric vehicle charging points.

Village halls week is run by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), of which Community First Yorkshire is a member. Find out more at: acre.org.uk