Hook's new £1million village hall has been given the Royal seal of approval.

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, officially opened the new Elizabeth Hall during a special visit on Thursday, November 27.

Accompanied by Mary Fagin, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, the Prince arrived slightly earlier than expected.

As he was driven up to the doors of the new hall, Hook Eagle Morris Men treated him to a lively display of dancing.

The Prince was then greeted by Hart District Council chairman Denis Gotel and Nigel Carpenter, chairman of Hook Parish Council, before being taken on a tour of the impressive new building.

Along the way he met children from the hall’s pre-school nursery, dropped in on a craft session organised by the local U3A group and watched a display of Scottish dancing.

He then talked to guests in the main hall including members of Hook Players, who were busy rehearsing for their latest production, and pupils from Hook Junior School.

The Prince also spent time chatting to Hook Eagle Morris Men.

Group member John Ellis told the Mail that the Prince was interested in the fox tails they have hanging from the back of their top hats.

"He asked if it was road kill!" he added. "We gave him a badge and a programme.

"He lives in Bagshot so he’s a local lad and would be more than welcome to come and join us anytime he wants to. He would be a welcome addition to the group - after all I’m sure he can count to four."

Just before unveiling a special commemorative plaque, the Prince told pupils from Hook Junior School: "I want you to make as much noise as possible."

Up on the stage he then told guests: "I’m afraid ladies and gentlemen that I’ve lost my voice. However, I’ve got lots of people looking for it."

The official opening marks years of hard work by Hook Parish Council and the Hook Village Halls Charitable Association (HVHCA).

Hook parish councillor Antony Hunter said the new hall has proved very popular with users.

"Music, dancing, singing and the theatre are daily activities along with facilities for children," he added.

Ernie Hobbs, chairman of the HVHCA, praised Cllr Carpenter for his work on the project.

Funding for the project came from a £500,000 parish council precept, developer contributions of £400,000 and grants totalling £100,000.