VILLAGERS have taken part in a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the first step in the building of their new church.

The special first turf turning ceremony was held by the community at Crossways, which has been working together for years to build their own church. The community is currently using the youth centre to worship on Sundays.

More than £100,000 has been raised towards the new church, which will go towards maintenance. The new building will be situated on land at Frome Valley CE VA First School.

The Reverend Jacquie Birdseye, of the United Benefice of Moreton, Woodsford, Crossways and Tincleton, was appointed to manage the building of the church around 10 years ago.

She said: “One of my briefs was to help build a church in Crossways. Ten years of my ministry has been devoted towards that and working with the people.

“It’s been a long haul but the people here in Crossways have been waiting 30 years for it. It’s a massive achievement for us.”

Dozens gathered for the ceremony earlier this month, which was followed by tea and cakes.

Rev Birdseye said: “It was just an opportunity for a celebration which we love doing anyway.

“The congregation came up trumps with lots of wonderful cakes and we just had a really good time.

“We wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who hadn’t given up. This dream is becoming a reality.”

Planning permission for the church was granted by West Dorset District Council in September last year.

In the application, the Church of England Diocese of Salisbury said the single storey community hall would be used by the church and school for services.

The building of St Aldhelm’s Church is expected to be completed by Easter 2015.

Simon Hunt, a resident from Crossways, said: “To have reached this moment has taken much effort, faith, prayer and dedication of a number of people over a period of some three decades.

“Fundraising activities have involved sourcing from members of the public, along with donations from many people and organisations whose privacy is to be respected.”

As well as donations from the public, money has also been raised at public events including barn dances, concerts, homemade craft and produce sales and open gardens.

Mr Hunt said: “The above is only a very small part of the whole picture as far as I am aware, yet we would not have got so far without the vision and determination of both our previous and existing rectors and a committed congregation.”