CHANGES are afoot at St John’s Church in Sutton Veny as the church council reveals plans to secure its long-term future.

The council hopes to improve the usability of the church, add a new toilet, offer better catering,, include a more convenient space for socialising and make the church warmer.

Member of the council Richard Jackson said: "This is an exciting period for the church as we try to stand it in good stead for the future.

"We want a church that is fit for the next 150 years and we can't do that by keeping everything exactly as it is.

"We plan to experiment with the changes to make sure they work and we will make them sensitively.

"The church is a refrigerator for seven months of the year so that's one of the things we will look to improve to begin with."

In addition to the changes, Reverend Alison Morley is now supported by new churchwarden Brian Long, who replaces longstanding Chip Stidolph, and joins current warden Annabel Elliott.

Plans are also in place to improve the church's programme of events so that it can become a social hub for the village.

This year the church has been celebrating its 150th anniversary.