RESIDENTS of Charminster are looking forward to finally having their church returned to its former glory after it was severely damaged by floods.

St Mary’s Church's congregation have expressed their delight that plans to renovate the church are now underway.

The church was left ruined after the River Cerne burst its banks in January 2014.

Since then fundraising began to help pay for the repairs to the grade one listed building.

Jane House, one of the church wardens, said: "The congregation is really excited to get back into the church.

"It's such a beautiful and ancient building and it's not looking its best at the moment.

"But we finally have permission for our under floor heating - that has been the bane of contention really.

"It's been difficult for an agreement to be made on how that will be implemented.

"Because the water table is so high here the water would just seep up though the old flooring.

"The floods seriously damaged the old flooring which are now incredibly uneven and unsafe.

"The new floor will be stone which, with the repairs to the bridge, will make life much easier.

"The pillars are all going to be renovated too.

"I would like to be in my Christmas but that might be pushing it - definitely by Easter next year.

"We want the church to be the centre of the village - it's been a major topics among residents.

"We are so pleased that we got the permission.

"We used to have Tuesday at St Mary's and a toddler group on Thursdays, which were really popular so it will be great to have them running again.

"When we do get back into the church we are going to have a great big celebration and welcome everyone back with a bang."

The Sunday services have been continuing at the village hall since the flooding.

Ms House told the Echo that Charminster is a close-knit community and residents have been coming together to fundraise to help pay for the repairs.

The work is estimated to cost more than £50,000.

Residents were celebrating earlier this year when it was announced work is due to start to replace the bridge.

The work at East Hill Road in Charminster will see the replacement of a listed bridge and other works to help keep water in the river and drainage works to manage the rainwater and groundwater.

A cream tea afternoon is being held in the village hall on Sunday, August 16 from 2.30pm a to raise funds for the church.