A VILLAGE band's crumbling clubhouse looks set to be replaced by a £150,000 hall.

For 80 years Hade Edge Band has practised in a wooden hut handed down by the Army.

But now, plans have been put forward for a large practice building and social venue at the site on Greave Road.

One large £50,000 donation from a supporter has enabled the band to pay for the project.

The band has enjoyed a revival recently. As it grew rapidly, more space was badly needed.

With more than 30 members in the adult band, 30 in the junior Honking Hedges Band and about 35 in the training band, the base needed improvement and enlargement.

Band leaders were told little could be done to permanently patch up the leaky roof and rickety fabric of the existing building.

Secretary Donna Mellor said: "Basically, it's a second-hand Army hut. Although it has got central heating and double glazing, the roof is collapsing."

The new building will be one-third bigger. There will be a main room, doubling as a function suite, as well as smaller practice rooms.

Other features include a modern kitchen and better access for the disabled.

It is hoped small concerts could be held in the new building.

Work on demolishing the Army hut could start at the end of the year, with building taking about six months.