A 1,000-year-old church is warming up its welcome to the wider community as part of a £130,000 project.

Craftsmen have been busy in St Nicholas, Otham, for the past few months – except Sundays when services were held as usual – to create a venue for community groups as well as worshippers.

For years, a poor heating system lowered the temperature on churchgoers and needed replacing. As it was linked to the Victorian pews, church officials decided to remove both in a £130,000 project.

The pews were sold to those living nearby as part of a fund-raising scheme that aims to contribute £30,000 towards the cost, which has mostly been paid for by grants.

Rev Andrew Sewell, rector of Otham and Langley, said:“This is about keeping its place at the heart of the community and widening the purposes for which it can be used.”

A second £90,000 phase, creating a glassed-off area and replacing the organ, will go ahead if further funds can be raised.

See Friday’s Kent Messenger for the full story