PLANS are once again on show for the reordering of Thornbury’s 12th century parish church.

Parishioners are being invited to two open meetings this weekend, where a summary of the proposals for the future look of St Mary’s Church, which include removing the wooden Victorian pews, will be available to the public.

Leaders at the church have already held several consultation periods with local people on the plans for the building, which they claim would it make it more suited to modern needs.

Rev David Primrose, vicar at St Mary’s Church, said: "These meetings are another chance for people to come and share their ideas on the decisions that need to be made.

"The meetings are of course open to anyone."

The plans, which will cost an estimated £850,000, will include creating separate fellowship and worship areas in the church by building a Mezzanine floor and replacing the fixed wooden pews with more flexible seating.

Memorial stones in the Nave and aisles would also be moved elsewhere in the church to make way for new flooring.

Church leaders have said they hope to create a fellowship area that is more relaxed and inviting for use by its own congregation and the wider Thornbury community.

The work will include new disabled toilets, additional meeting rooms, a new kitchen, a lift and more floor space.

There are also further plans for changes to be made in the Chancel, where church leaders would like to replace the choir stalls, and consider introducing a smaller alter.

The public meetings are being held at St Mary’s Church, on Saturday (10am and 6pm).

The meetings will include a presentation on the progress of the proposals for the reordering followed by the opportunity for discussion.

For more information about the reordering of St Mary's Church visit www.thornburyparish.org