HOLY TRINITY Church will undergo a £2m refurbishment next year, with the Bradford on Avon church’s curtain call service taking place on Christmas Day.

The four-year long project, known as the Holy Trinity’s Big Community Connection, involves extensions, replacing the floor and introducing a new meeting room, kitchen, toilet, organ, heating and lighting system.

The bulk of the funds were raised through the sale of the Christ Blessing painting by Quentin Metsys in 2013 but also involved grants and personal donations from residents and backers.

“It’s a monumental project and one that I cannot wait for to get started,” said the church’s Reverend Joanna Abecassis.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to give back to our community, that’s the whole purpose of this.

"To make this magnificent church something to cherish for all.

"It will be a wonderful addition to the town.

“We have had an enormous amount of support from all areas of the community which was wonderful.

"I have been overwhelmed by the positivity coming from the people – they can’t wait.

“We still need to sign a contract with the builders and with a bit of luck work should begin in January or February.”

The multi-million pound regeneration will provide opportunities for educational and musical events to occur at the Grade I-Listed building.

“We want to make the church community friendly and a space that can be used much more,” she said.

“We have worked with St Laurence School, Fitzmaurice School and Wiltshire Music centre, who don’t have an organ, about using the church to encourage greater inclusion and that is something to look forward to.

“It’s been very time consuming, what with covering this and covering three parishes and looking after the congregation but If everything goes well hopefully we will back ready in time for the Christmas day service next year.”

The project will also include new furniture, seating, restoration of the organ, monuments and glass, flood prevention and resilience, water integrity of the roof and walls and an improved sound system.

The project began in earnest in 2013 after architects and a project manager were chosen and since then consultations with the town, county council and planning authorities have enabled plans to progress.

“It’s hugely exciting. Any new venture like this can be and after what seemed like endless meetings and talks, it looks like there is light at the tunnel.

This is the first time the church, which will be closed for the majority of next year, will have undergone major work since the 1850’s.