A FOUNDATION stone has been laid to mark the start of work on a new church.

Weymouth Bay Methodist Church in Melcombe Avenue, Greenhill, will replace the Maiden Street Methodist Church which burned down. The Rev David Plumb held a short service with contributions from the oldest and youngest members of his congregation before laying the stone.

He said: "It was very good to lay the foundation and begin replacing the church that burnt down.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity of facing new challenges and meeting the needs of the community in the new building."

The Portland stone tablet has been carved with the words Forward with God', chosen by members of the congregation overseeing the project.

Spokesman for the church, Tracey Winder, said the congregation chose the words to convey the message that the new church will offer a fresh and modern place of worship.

She said: "It will be a fantastic new space for worship, teaching, meetings, youth groups and all types of events and occasions for the people of Weymouth."

Congregations from Maiden Street and Westham Methodist Churches will unite to make this their regular place of worship.

The Grade II listed church in Maiden Street was gutted by fire in January 2002 and the Methodists decided to sell the freehold to move to the new church in 2006.

Since the fire the congregation has temporarily been using St Nicholas Church in Buxton Road.

Last year plans by Project 20 Ltd to turn the former Maiden Street church into a restaurant and new homes were approved by Weymouth and Portland planning and traffic committee.

Building work on the new church by Acheson Construction is scheduled to be completed in December.

For more information on joining the church services or using the new facilities contact Rev David Plumb on 01305 783049.