AFTER a six month renovation period, Royston Methodist Church re-opened last Sunday with a brand new interior.

Worshippers had been attending services in the nearby community room since October but have now moved into their new surroundings.

Monica Gillings, who headed the committee for the church’s refurbishment, said: “It seemed to go down really well on Sunday and the response was really positive.

“We hope that the enhancement of our building will give greater possibilities for use not only by our congregation but also by our friends and neighbours in the wider community.”

The new interior includes new ceiling panels, re-painted walls and arches, a new damson carpet, new radiators, new lighting and new beech frame chairs.

Mrs Gillings said: “The convector radiators around the church provide better and more controllable gas-powered heating, and the new lighting floods the church with brightness and is flexible enough to create an appropriate ambience for particular events.

“The entrance foyer has been revamped with new ceiling, panelling and glazed doors. We have retained their pipe organ, stained glass window memorial and dedication plaques and paintings.”

The congregation were joined by Oliver Heald MP and town mayor Martin Beaver over the weekend.

Mrs Gillings thanked the committee for their hard work, particularly architect David Easthope and surveyor Laurie Parncutt.