WORK has begun to rebuild a Ropley church after it was destroyed in a fire nearly five years ago.

St Peter’s was severely damaged by a blaze in June 2014, which led to services being held in the parish hall and left residents without a church.

Now, the 800 year-old building is being reconstructed with the support of a village fundraising campaign that aims to raise £500,000.

Revd Clare Welham said: “We’ve been without a permanent home for almost five years; this is our opportunity not only to rebuild the Church but also to make it fit for 21st century purpose.

“It will, once again, be the centre of our community, a space for everyone to enjoy and use - not just those who will worship there.

Ms Welham has confirmed the church will offer the same functions as before, including christenings, weddings and funerals, and will provide a venue for village-wide events.

She added: “The space created will complement other village facilities and we want it to be widely used by the village school, social clubs, concerts and meetings seven days a week, not only for an hour on Sundays.

“We hope the community will see what we’re trying to achieve and support our fundraising.”

To mark the rebuild, church members will be holding two drop-in days in the Coffee Room, Church Street on March 22 and 23.

A ‘handover ceremony’ will also be held tomorrow, March 22.