MORE than 70 people attended a special service at Aylburton Methodist Church on Saturday to mark its rededication.

The church, which celebrated its centenary in 2015, has had a massive refurbishment.

The project cost £150,000 and took four years to complete and the church now has an improved access, a new kitchen, an up-to-date heating system and new lighting.

The rededication was conducted by the chair of the Methodist Church’s Bristol District, Rev Dr Jonathan Pye and was also attended by the superintendent of the Gloucestershire Circuit, Rev Dr James Tebbutt.

Rev Dr Pye told the congregation: “ It is a great joy to be here. I bring you the greetings of the Bristol District, the prayers of the Methodist people and I bring you our hope for your future here.

Rev Dr Tebbutt said: “It is remarkable that in 2011 people here began to recognise the need for something.

“They had a vision, they worked out what to do, they persevered and followed through. Well done and congratulations.”

As well as regular worshippers at the church, there were other well-wishers.

Mrs Mary Court extended the congratulations of St Mary’s Church in Aylburton.

She said: “Over the last few years the church and St Mary’s have worked well together and I hope and pray that will continue.”

Rev Heather Upton thanked all those who attended the service and said the collection would go towards other items needed such as new chairs.

On Sunday there was a thanksgiving service at the church led by Rev Dr Pye and his predecessor as Chair of the Bristol District, Rev A Ward Jones.