Oxfordshire's volunteer soldiers are finally getting a modern, comfortable clubroom to relax in after a hard day's training.

The clubroom -- better known to soldiers as the Naafi -- at the Territorial Army's Slade Park Barracks in Headington, Oxford, is undergoing a £70,000 transformation.

Until now, the Royal Rifle Volunteers have made do with a run-down room, described by Major Peter Casson-Crook as "resembling the arrivals lounge at Gatwick Airport in 1951; a little lacklustre and tardy".

Their company, the Royal Green Jackets, has been saving for 10 years towards the makeover.

The room was built at the same time as the barracks in 1956 and is used by about 150 soldiers.

A new bar replaces a shabby hatch-style serving area, old metal-framed windows have been ripped out and new furniture put in.

Final touches are being made to the room, which will cater for up to 80 people, before an opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 4.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Patrick Stannard, will perform the official opening with the Honorary Colonel of the Royal Green Jackets.

The secretary of the South East Reserve Forces and Cadet Association, which helped fund the refurbishment, will also attend.

Major Casson-Crook said: "We believe that brief periods of relaxation are important, not simply to rest the weary body, but also to help in the development of team spirit within the unit.

"We also believe in maintaining strong links with the local community, and with our old comrades and families. The facility is a focal point in the centre."

Five members of the unit are currently serving in Iraq. Last year, the unit sent troops to Afghanistan for six months.