REFURBISHMENT work at St Andrew’s Church and Community Centre has given the site “a new lease of life”, with church wardens eager for the venue to become a community hub.

The church, based on Lyttleton Avenue, Charford, has been given a new kitchen, a refreshed hall interior, and enhanced public areas.

Church warden Bob Powell said: “The changes are fantastic. It gives us a new lease of life.

“We previously had a 1960s kitchen and now it is state of the art. It gives us more possibilities as the idea of serving groups on a bigger scale was not possible before.

“We hope in time it may become a venue for all sorts of events that people want to put on, such as wedding receptions or a small conference.

“Over the years we’ve been trying to create some sort of community cohesion. We hope this new work will provide the opportunity to do that.”

The church is holding an open day on Sunday, October 15, from 3pm to 6pm.

Mr Powell added: “We hope we are casting the net out and we hope the community will come in force to our open event to see what goes on and the activities on offer.

“There will be demonstrations, including tai chi, live music, coffee and things for children, so it should be a fun day.”

The venue has been serving the people of Charford for more than 50 years.

Community groups at the hall include karate, Tai-Chi, Nordic Walking, Rainbows, Slimming World, a bingo and social club, and a parent and toddler group.