DURSLEY Parish Church's £335,000 Vision for the Future got off to a flying start on Sunday.

Representatives of businesses and organisations throughout the town joined VIP guests and the congregation of St James the Great for a special celebration service.

It was a "call to the community" said the rector the Rev Janet Bromley in her introduction.

"St James is a grade one listed building in the heart of Dursley. It has seen many changes in its life, but in the future we would like to provide for the needs of a modern town which is growing in size and stature.

"To accomplish this we are refurbishing the church so it may continue to contribute to the life of Dursley."

The rector gave a special welcome to the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Rev Michael Perham, who is appeal patron, Stroud MP David Drew, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershirem Simon Preston, and Dursley Town Mayor Cllr Tim Frankau.

In his sermon the bishop told the 200-plus congregation that the exciting plan for funds to re-order St James the Great deserved a generous response.

"One day I hope to be back to rededicate this church, fully equipped to serve the people of Dursley in the 21st century.

"For 800 years this has been a place where the light of Christ has shone brightly for the people of Dursley. And now the house needs a new roof."

Bishop Michael said that through the years the church and been many things for the townsfolk. It had been a market place, a theatre, a council chamber and a meeting place. It had been the place to be.

"Even for those who will never come through the doors it is still a holy place. And the people of Dursley need to ensure that it goes on and stays at the hospitable heart of the community for years to come."

After the service, the curate, the Rev Tim Heaney, gave a detailed presentation of the work that was to be undertaken.

Stressing that the church was not just a building, but the people it served, Mr Heaney said that St James the Great wanted to encourage more groups and organisations to use the building, thus putting the church at the heart of the Dursley community.