A CHURCH at East Burton, near Wool, is closing its doors for four months in the new year so that major alterations can be carried out.

Members of the Christian Purbeck Vineyard church are planning a dramatic transformation of a former derelict church building dating back to 1839.

In January workers will begin installing a mezzanine floor to create a two-storey church with its own baptistery pool deep enough for people to become fully immersed.

Up until now they have been baptising people in a tributary of the River Frome during the summer and using a portable pool during the winter.

The works are expected to cost £35,000 and include the installation of a wheelchair accessible lift and improving the building's plumbing and electrics. Last year the roof was repaired costing more than £8,000.

Pastor Andrew Lusby said: "A lot of the fund-raising has been done by members of the church - one lady ran the London marathon, a local GP had his beard shaved off and another member did a sponsored slim.

"We didn't expect to do all this so quickly - it has gone very well. We are probably short of about £10,000 which is the cost of installing the lift, but we are going ahead with it. It has been quite a daunting task to co-ordinate it all."

Purbeck Vineyard church had been meeting at the D'Urberville Hall in Wool for the past 16 years and moved to the old church building three years ago.

The Grade II listed building was originally an Anglican chapel of ease called the Church of the Good Shepherd which closed its doors in the 1960s. It then became derelict and stood empty for 30 years.

The church's 70 members will return to the D'Urberville Hall for services while the refurbishment is carried out.

On Sunday, December 15, they are holding a carol service at the D'Urberville hall, 3pm.

The church is also organising a Boxing Day party for older people who may otherwise face Christmas alone - for details contact Andrew Lusby on 01929 463234.