A VILLAGE church has risen to the challenge of meeting modern needs in an ancient setting, with a £40,000 makeover.

It took four years to raise the money and now the Church of St Nicholas, in Pinvin, near Pershore, is preparing to show off its new look and 21st century facilities.

The congregation had the help of grants, chiefly from the Severn Waste Environmental Fund, using money from landfill tax.

"We've suffered the same problems as many village churches," said the Rev David Owen, assistant curate in the Pershore benefice.

Thanks to the dedicated fund-raising of the little congregation and the skills of craftsmen from local firm Carlton-Smith, it was done while maintaining the integrity of the building, he said. An accessible toilet and baby changing facilities are now available, a new front door provides level access, there is a new communion rail without steps and an open space at the back of church, where wheelchair users can sit with families.

The church is holding an open weekend tomorrow and Sunday, while the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, will perform the opening at 12.30pm on Sunday.