DEMOLITION work at Holy Trinity and St Matthew’s Church in Ronkswood, Worcester, has gathered pace.

Just four days since the Bishop of Worcester swung a sledgehammer to begin the flattening process, contractors have reduced the church’s hall to a gigantic pile of rubble.

Industrial diggers were used to pull down the building and will shortly be turned on the main body of the church known as The Drum.

The project marks the start of a new chapter for the site, with a purpose-built, multi-use building for the congregation and community planned for the future.

Brian Coley, church warden, said: “It has been sad to see the demolition going on and there have been a lot of different emotions.

“But we knew the building had out-lived its purpose and it had become a millstone around our necks.

“We are looking forward to a new, self-sustaining and happy future.”

Mr Coley added the contractors were getting on with the demolition positively and the work, which had not hit any problems, should be completed by Friday, December 12.

He also reassured the public that the war memorial was safely protected by fencing.

The demolition project has been undertaken after the church was declared “at the end of its useful and sustainable working life” in December 2012, forcing the congregation to worship at temporary venues including a pub and school.

Speaking on Monday, parish priest, the Revd George Davis, said: “"As the newly appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity and St Matthew's, there is a sadness about saying goodbye to a church building I never really had the opportunity and privilege of knowing.

"Even in my short time here, I have gained a sense of understanding the significance of the building through getting to know those who have worshipped there and who live and work in the community.

"Perhaps most importantly, the sheer effort, hard work and tenacity to keep this project moving, is testimony to how much, the God of love, is loved in this place."

Bishop John, also speaking on Monday, added: “Out of the sadness of the death of Jesus came the joy of the resurrection.

"The Christian faith is about death and resurrection.

"So, although this a sad time in the life of Ronkswood Church, I am confident that out of it will come resurrection - a new church at the centre of the community to serve the people of Ronkswood.”