AMBITIOUS plans to modernise St Mary's Church in Lymm have been unveiled this week, and the appeal for funds is now under way.

The works, expected to cost in the region of £400,000 to £450,000, will constitute a major re-ordering of many of the facilities within the church, which is one of Lymm's most distinctive landmarks.

Rev Keith Maudsley said that the changes would help to modernise the church, and not only bring benefits to worshippers but also allow the building to be used for drama and music by the wider community in the village.

He added: "We will improve the kitchen and toilet facilities and have new office space, as well as replacing our existing pipe organ with a new digital organ.

"We should be creating a new exhibition space and are hoping for a new staircase to lead to the upstairs galleries and a larger meeting room as well."

There is as yet no timescale for the works, as many require planning permission from the diocese before getting the final go-ahead, and the work will be carried out in stages with little impact on services.

At a special dinner held at Statham Lodge this week, members of the congregation launched their side of the appeal, and now 2,000 leaflets have been produced for anyone else who wishes to make a donation towards the cost of the refurbishments.

Rev Maudsley added: "One of the things we want to do is make St Mary's a place which is a real home for concerts in the village."

The leaflets allowing people to pledge support for the effort are now available at the back of the church.