THE first event in the newly-decorated Assembly Rooms in Malton will be held next week.

The 1814 Georgian ballroom, which comprises the first floor of the Subscription Rooms in Yorkersgate, and is part of the Milton Rooms, has received a facelift redecoration thanks to a £4,500 grant from Malton Town Council and a further £300 donated by Norton Town Council.

Malton Town Council’s civic reception on Tuesday, March 26, will be the first event to be held in the newly-redecorated space.

Merryn Wilderspin, chairman of the board, said “We are exceptionally grateful to both councils in supporting our aim to bring this lovely space back into public use and which is intended to be used as a mixed-use facility to support smaller-medium scale events and performances, private meeting or function hire and lettable rehearsal space.”

She added: “This is a gem of a space within the Milton Rooms complex and one that has languished for many years awaiting much-needed improvement.

“I am delighted that it has finally benefitted from this very welcome and generous funding.”

Hosted by mayor Cllr Paul Andrews, the annual civic service will be held in the Wesley Centre in Saville Street at 6.30pm.

A welcome to the service will be given by Rev Tanya Short, followed by a prayer led by Rev Canon John Manchester, Chaplin to the mayor and town council.

A presentation will be made by Amelia Neal and Leon Cook, head girl and head boy at Malton School, and the address will be given by the Right Rev David Smith, assistant bishop in the Diocese of York.

The collection will be taken by Malton Scouts in aid of Malton Hospital, Acorn Community Care and the Wesley Centre.