LAUNCESTON'S newly refurbished, award winning town hall has taken its 500th booking since reopening in January and staff are now looking forward to busy years ahead.

The town hall, which is now licensed for marriages and civil ceremonies, offers not just the main hall for hire but also a conference suite, the historic Guildhall, a fully equipped professional kitchen and the bar which boasts a breathtaking glass ceiling allowing users to view the original clock tower from within the building.

The space — which is available to hire to the community from as little as £15 — has been used for everything from art exhibitions, plays and musicals, dance and theatre workshops to residents' association meetings, business conferences, support groups, wedding receptions and private parties.

For the full story, and a round-up of this week's area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.