IT was a case of Ground Force meets Changing Rooms at All Saints Church in Melbourn as a community project got under way. Volunteers from Melbourn Science Park visited the church grounds to take part in a number of refurbishment projects, in conjunction w

IT was a case of Ground Force meets Changing Rooms at All Saints Church in Melbourn as a community project got under way.

Volunteers from Melbourn Science Park visited the church grounds to take part in a number of refurbishment projects, in conjunction with the Motorola Golden Day of Service.

Team leader Miriam Radford said: "This is the first project we have done like this and I feel that it is important for the science park and the Melbourn community to have a strong relationship."

Work included the initial stages of redeveloping the community hall - an on-going project that has been running for the past five years.

The 16 volunteers helped to erect a new garden shed, spread soil around the churchyard, strip down tables and remove and recycle unwanted furniture and structures.

Mrs Radford added: "A lot of people will benefit form the hard work that has taken place. It's been tough, but we've had a lot of fun. It's been nice to get out from behind the desk and meet the community."

The Rev Andrew O'Brien said: "It's been amazing to get so many people together. The science park has been very supportive and it has already given us £30,000 towards the new hall.

"The old hall just didn't have the facilities any more. The new hall will be much larger and will have disabled access and toilets.

"We've started the process of knocking the old one down and hopefully in the next four weeks work for the new hall will be up-and-running.

"A new community hall is essential and it is extremely important for Melbourn's community," he said.

The All Saints Community Hall Fund has raised £110,000 towards the £150,000 target for the new hall.