A former cattle barn in Pershore is being transformed into a 'dream' wedding venue.

The transformation of Cherry Orchard Wedding Barn on the Wyke Manor estate is being supported by a £25,000 grant from the Wychavon Rural Fund.

Once the renovation, complete with energy-efficient double-glazed windows and doors, is finished, the wedding venue will look to be an ideal location for nuptials and receptions, as well as conferences and other events.

It is expected to be ready for bookings by the end of the summer.

The renovation project is the realisation of a lifelong ambition for farmer Charles Hudson.

Mr Hudson, who is also responsible for the confetti fields tourist attraction at Wyke Manor, has endeavoured to retain much of the barn's original wooden architecture while also incorporating timber from the nearby farm.

Other key features to be included at the venue are a wood-burning stove and an outdoor patio area.

Mr Hudson said: "This is something we have been working on for many years, and I'm delighted that with Wychavon's help, we're finally able to make our vision a reality.

"We could have just turned it into a home, but I wanted to create something that would support local businesses and create jobs in the local area for photographers, caterers, etc., so I'm pleased we've been able to do that."

Wychavon District Council backs this undertaking as part of its dedication to boosting the area's visitor economy.

Cllr Paul Middlebrough, responsible for town and rural vitality for Wychavon District Council, said: "This project is a perfect example of how investing small sums of money in the right places can have a much bigger overall impact."

Funding for the project comes from Wychavon Rural Fund, which was established through the council's share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.

The fund's aim is to assist micro and small rural businesses with capital projects to eliminate growth barriers.

More details can be found at www.wychavon.gov.uk/rural-fund.

For enquiries about hiring Cherry Orchard Wedding Barn, interested parties can email flowerfieldbarn@gmail.com.