The flooring has been laid with York stone to match the north aisle which lost its pews during an earlier renovation.

Two pews in reasonable condition have been sold and the remainder recycled.

Local building firm Fisher and Sons carried out the work which was completed within a three-week period.

Rector, the Rev Adrian Bell, is delighted with the new look and sees the change as an opportunity to enhance church activities with the community.

"We've already been able to increase the number of trees in our Christmas Tree Festival to 70," he said.

"And the extra space will benefit our regular craft fair users. Plans are well in hand to have an art exhibition next month and our Victorian Experience flower festival in October."

The south aisle will now be more accessible to church-goers, and particularly those with disabilities or in wheelchairs.

Future improvement plans include relocating the choir stalls.