A venue that has been the hub of many anniversary, birthday, wedding and community celebrations over the past half century is to mark its 50th birthday this Saturday.

Ideford Village Hall was acquired for the community in 1975 and has been at the heart of village and activities ever since.

The battle to keep the building, which until 1973 was Ideford Primary School, involved a fight with the local authority that went to the House of Lords to prevent the old school being sold for housing.

An open gardens event is being held around the village to mark the 50th anniversary and the Village Hall will be open for refreshments from 12 noon until 5pm with a garden-based prize draw, plant stall and book stall.