A REFURB has put a fresh breath of life into St George’s Church at Fordington.

The project, which cost nearly £50,000, included returning the pews to the back of the church as the focal point for a new area.

Historic St George’s has also become the first Grade I listed church in the country to have a new eco-friendly flooring.

Now people are being invited to visit the church to see the refurbishment – at the annual St George’s Fair on Saturday, from 1.30pm to 4pm.

The Rev Richard Betts said: “There has been an incredibly positive reaction from church-goers and from people who come in a couple of times a year. People think it looks incredibly good.”

Mr Betts added: “All of the paintwork has been done and there is a feeling of space when people come in. It is not so cluttered.”

The aim was to make the back part of the church more spacious, attractive, flexible and welcoming.

Some pews were removed from the back of the church and the font was moved from its position in a corner in the south aisle to its proper position at the back.

Other work has included a new office, a kitchenette, a welcome desk and notice board and the use of the tower for choir robing – as well as the flooring and repainting of walls and ceiling .

Daniel Cantrell from John Stark and Crickmay Partnership was heavily involved in the project. He, the Rev Betts and churchwardens Tim Bullick and Margaret Morrissey tried to use local tradesmen where possible.

Mrs Morrissey said: “The area has already been used for schools and children’s activities, including Manor Park First School.”

She added: “We have tried to use tradesmen local to us.”

Mr Bullick said: “The work does lift the church.

“The position of the font also reminds, as a baptism on entry, of the beginning of their journey.”

He added: “It is all about welcoming the community.”

The work was paid for by trust fund money. The new Maroleum floor is made of environmentally friendly linseed.

The plinth for the font is made of Ham stone, from Ham Hill, near Yeovil.

The church has sections dating to Edwardian and Victorian times but parts also date back to the 12th century and earlier.

Mr Betts said thanks went to all those who helped but especially to contractors, Mr Bullick and Mrs Morrissey, architects John Stark and Crickmay Partnership and Daniel Cantrell in particular.