The former Orient Express restaurant in Bradford on Avon is to become a Buddhist temple now that Wiltshire Council has approved a change of use application.

Now called the Ton Boon Trust, the restaurant in Bridge Street closed in 2012.

It was classed as a meditation centre but can now officially be classed as a Buddhist temple.

The first floor has already been turned into a meditation room and work will start on the top floor of the Grade Two listed building to accommodate two Thai monks who will help run the temple.

Saisunee Pettitt, trustee of The Ton Boon Trust, said: “I am relieved it has gone through because before that, I couldn’t ask people to raise money.

“We have to go through the process of selecting a monk and finding sponsors, then I hope work will start shortly.”

On February 9 the Sunday school will open to teach the Thai language and culture to children from age six to adults and from February 15 the meditation room will be available for use.

For more information email tonboontrust@gmail.com