HOLCOMBE Brook Methodist Church has started the new year with a new look.

A massive refurbishment programme costing more than £200,000 has transformed it into a "modern-day" place of worship.

The work at the church in Bolton Road West has been funded through grants and donations. The first gift day, held in June raised a staggering £70,000.

The Rev David Clowes said: "The parishioners are very caring and lovely people who wanted to open up the church and meet the needs of the community.

"What someone believes in can be achieved."

The church building dates back to 1885 and was in desperate need of repair and refurbishment. The new look place of worship now has chairs instead of pews and a keyboard in place of the organ. The lounge area and kitchen have been modernised. The building is now carpeted.

Work, however, still needs to be done on the entrance, and a ramp and a lift to provide disabled access needs to be installed. The renovations should be completed by March 2 for a rededication service, followed by a three-day flower festival opening on March 22. All proceeds from the festival will go to charity as a form of thanksgiving for the work undertaken.

Mr Clowes said: "The new entrance will give easier access to clubs and the new facilities will help us to develop links with the community and local groups and organisations."

He added: "The response from the parishioners has been very positive. The work was done to make the church into a modern-day place of worship which it now is with modern worshipping methods, such as multi-media services, which use projectors and display equipment. We are also looking to introduce bands."