A BITTERLY cold church in Hilperton, that left members of the congregation having to wear extra layers to keep warm, has finally had a new central heating boiler fitted.

For the past three years, locals who go to St Michael & All Angels' Church, The Knap, have tried to raise £14,000 to replace the outdated equipment with a newer model.

Tony Roddis, one of the people leading the fundraising efforts, says that church goers have been seen shivering there, as it is so chilly.

But thanks to the church's fundraising efforts and grants from Trowbridge Area Board, £5,000, and Hilperton Parish Council, £1,000, Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, £2,000, a new central heating boiler began heating up the church on Saturday.

"It is fully installed and working perfectly. It is modern and efficient, and now we are no longer cold and have hot water," said Mr Roddis.

"The old one had become unreliable and often users of the church were in the cold.

"I cannot thank the generosity of the area board, the parish council and those who helped us raise the rest of the funds, it is so good to have an up-to-date boiler here.

"It is the focal point of the village so this really needed to be done. People had to wear overcoats and wrap up warm which was not good.

"Now users of the church and church room can look forward to warm and cosy surroundings for all the numerous activities which are carried out there."