IT has been 30 years in the making but this week finally marked the grand opening of Langford Budville’s Jubilee village hall.

The Earl of Wessex was greeted by around 70 people at the hall on Monday afternoon and spoke to children from the village primary school who described meeting him as ‘very exciting’.

Prince Edward then received a tour of the facilities and met VIPs before the official plaque unveiling where he said: “I heard the completion of this hall has been a long time coming so I am pleased to witness it today and I hope you make the best use of it now you have it.”

He was given a jug of Sheppy’s cider before he left and Heather Cottrell and Lynne Moore cut a replica village hall cake for villagers, committee members and dignitaries to enjoy.

John Cottrell, chairman of the parish council, said: “I want to thank all the people who have made this happen for their hard work – even those who can’t be with us today. The hall belongs to all of us and the future of it depends on us using it.”

Keith Moore, chairman of the village hall trustees, said: “This will provide a focal point to the village and surrounding communities, too, for many years and the day has gone beautifully.”

Neighbour Sally Woods added: “It has been ongoing for a long time now but the hall looks beautiful and I hope it gets used.”

Clifford Bishop, councillor for the Bradford-on-Tone ward, said: “The hall has got many more facilities than some town village halls and, at last, it has come to fruition.”