RESIDENTS in Cofton Hackett and Longbridge have gathered to bury a time capsule at the site of a new village hall.

The capsule has been compiled by local community groups including The Cofton Village Hall Trust, Lickey Primary School, Pride of Longbridge, and Cofton Hackett Brownies, along with residents living on the new development with family history linking to the renowned former Austin and MG Rover car plant.

The contents of the capsule include drawings by schoolchildren, and nostalgic posters featuring cars manufactured from the Longbridge plant in its Austin heyday, as well as much more.

The Rev Sheri Gidney, a local resident and chair of trustees of Cofton Village Hall Trust, said: “Longbridge has undergone a huge transformation in the last 13 years with new homes, shops, restaurants and offices created in the area.

"We wanted to take a moment to pause and appreciate the great progress that has been made.

"The completion of the new village hall in Cofton Hackett this summer will be a huge milestone, helping us strengthen an already strong community bond.”

As the construction of the village hall nears completion, The Cofton Village Hall Trust is raising money to make it ready for public use.

Developer St. Modwen has paid for the building and fittings, but funds for contents and start-up costs must be raised locally.

At least £40,000 is needed and the trustees are working hard to secure grants, as well as organising community fundraising activities.