Construction students at West Suffolk College are completely revamping a village hall for free as part of their college courses.

The building in Buxhall, near Stowmarket, has not been redecorated for more than two decades, but thanks to lecturer Brian Tunbridge is it getting a much needed face lift.

Mr Tunbridge, a lecturer in Wood Trades at West Suffolk College, offered the services of his students after hearing how the hall was in need of some decorative repairs.

Students began work on the village hall on Monday, and will finish by May 7, in time for the hall to be used as a polling station.

Mr Tunbridge said: “We are putting in new paths around the outside, a new bar, new doors, new windows, plumbing maintenance, and we will be repainting the hall throughout.

“It is the first time we have tried a project of this scale, so it is very exciting.”

If this project works well, the plan is to do a similar project next year in order to give students vital work experience on a real building.