A Victorian church in the centre of Melksham will reopen this weekend after a £120,000 refurbishment.

The Grade II listed Melksham United Church in the High Street has undergone a complete overhaul and now has improved heating and lighting, modern audio and visual equipment, a new floor and has been redecorated.

Most of the pews have also been replaced by new chairs, opening the space up so it can be used for a range of events as wel as church services.

The church’s minister, the Rev Alison Morley, said: “It’s gorgeous, we are really pleased. It’s a lovely space, we have a beautiful oak floor and lovely acoustics.”

Fundraising for the project has taken more than five years, with a good proportion of the cost coming from the efforts of the 60-strong congregation, as well as cash from Community First and a Landfill Communities grant.

Mrs Morley said: “Over five years pretty much every cent that was raised went into the refurbishment pot.

“There were endless sales and fetes, making of cakes and jam over a long period of time, just by members of the church.

“Hours and hours of volunteer hours have been spent on it, it’s been like an Amish barn build, it’s just amazing.”

Building work started on January 1, and the first wedding took place on Wednesday.

With the removal of many of the pews the hope is the church will now be home to community groups. It is already used by the Credit Union, Link and Mind.

Mrs Morley said: “It’s a major change, we have taken the pews out to create this as a space for the community, for how it wants to use it. The whole place has been ripped apart and put back together.”

Some ideas have included hosting art exhibitions and concerts and running a drop-in centre for young people.

The church will hold an open event from 10am until noon on Saturday to show people what is now available..

“It’s very low key, there will be tea, coffee and loads of cakes,” said Mrs Morley. “People are welcome to have a good look around, and there will be a very short thank you service at 11am. We’ve invited all the contractors back just to have a look at the finished work.”

On Saturday the church will also host a performance of The Rock musical by Bradford on Avon United Church from 7.30pm.