The congregation of St Faith's in Hexton is removing pews from the church nave and converting it into a village hall.

It will provide a meeting place for community groups, while the rest of the 800-year-old church will still be open for worship.

Churchwarden Anne Ashley Cooper said: "There will be people who say, 'Oh, what have they done to that beautiful church'.

"But if they see it lively and used and warm, I hope we shall bring them round to realising that this is hope for the future and not looking backwards into something that cannot survive."

Thousands of pounds are still needed to complete the project.

But English Heritage says that once completed, it could provide a model for other parishes.