Ledbury now has a second community centre, run by Mucky Pups Pre-School Group.

The venue is off Frome Brook Road, on the New Mills estate, and Mucky Pups has taken a three year lease of the newly-built premises.

The group has agreed to run it both for itself and as a community facility.

Mucky Pups will officially move on Monday and bookings for community activities are already being sought.

Chairman Miranda Ricketts said: "This is now officially a community hall, available for parties, events, fitness classes and community-based activities."

Because Mucky Pups has to pay the rent and need to raise revenue, Mrs Ricketts said it is essential that people use it.

The hall was built by a developer as part of a deal with Herefordshire Council for planning permission for housing.

Herefordshire councillor for Ledbury, Barry Ashton said: "It was part of the deal with the developers to have a community shop there, but that designation was changed. This is very welcome. The new hall will be an additional benefit to the estate."

The hall, only finished last week, is a bungalow featuring a large community room, two toilets, a fully fitted kitchen and an enclosed garden.

The Mucky Pups tenancy secures the future of the group, which has been meeting at the old social services bungalow, Leadon Bank, as a temporary measure.

For details on hiring the new hall can ring 01531 633384.