A village church reopened on Easter Sunday for the first time in eight months – after a major restoration project which began 15 years ago finally came to fruition.

Churchgoers attended services at St Martin’s Church in Eynsford for the first time this year after it was closed in August for the £600,000 revamp.

Fundraising for the Open Door For All scheme – to provide easy access at the Norman church – began in 2000 but was delayed after costs increased.

The money has been used to install a new heating system, removing pews to replace the floor, and adding disabled access and a toilet.

Rector the Rev Gary Owen said before the service: “We are really excited to welcome the community back to St Martin’s Church this Easter Sunday – it seems entirely fitting to unveil the project on such a special day.

"The reordering is the biggest change for many years at the 12th century church.

"The church has a new space to house the Sunday school, space for a creche for Sunday services and a more amenable space which means it is now easier for all to access – for example; for those in wheelchairs and for people with prams or buggies.

"The project has been a real act of faith, but God has been good to us, and members of the church and community have given very generously. We are very grateful for all the support we have been given."

During the closure, services were held at churches in the neighbouring villages of Farningham and Lullingstone.

In September, builders unearthed a small mausoleum beneath the church, where the coffin of 18th century nobleman Alexander Pitcairn was found.

Alexander, a former cricketer who played for the Gentlemen of Kent and Gentlemen of England, died in the village in 1814.

His brother Robert was a seaman who first spotted a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, named Pitcairn Island, while his father John was a British Marine officer who served during the American War of Independence.

Mr Owen said: "No one knew of the mausoleum and the discovery excited the church and the Farningham And Eynsford Local Historical Society.

"Over 200 people came to see the small mausoleum in September before it was carefully covered over again."

For information on the church visit www.efl-churches.org