A visitor and craft centre in Royal Wootton Bassett welcomed people through its doors for the first time at the weekend.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray opened Wootton Hall, in Sparrow Lane, on Saturday.

The centre offers information about the town for visitors and residents, as well as being a place to hold craft workshops.

Sheridan Parsons, who is running the project, said: “We had a steady stream of people all day on Saturday and everything went down very well. We had lots of lovely positive comments.

“We have come to the conclusion the best way to describe it is a community sitting room.

“You can’t call it a village hall or a tourist information centre. It just fits with everything.

“I was concerned people wouldn’t understand because it has been hard to explain what my vision is.

“Now it is actually out there and people can see what I am trying to do. I think it will really take off.”

The hall, which was formerly owned by the Royal British Legion, has information about the charity and is collecting donations for it.

Mrs Parsons said: “The partnership with the Royal British Legion is important because of the fact it is a former Legion Hall.

“We hold that relationship close to our hearts.”

The hall has a garden with picnic rugs and there will be special events throughout the year, including market days.

People can make and sell craft items in the hall or hold workships and Wootton Hall will take a ten per cent cut. People who want to run free workshops can use the venue without charge. The hall also has a refreshments area.

Children and staff from Wootton Bassett Children’s Centre took part in hand printing at the hall on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.woottonhall.com or call 07891 718211.