CHURCH officials from St James the Great Parish Church in Dursley are to launch an appeal to raise £300,000 to improve facilities.

The church is a grade one listed building, which has stood at the centre of the town since the 12th century.

The building, which is already used for many community events, such as Arts Week, concerts and provides space for the Citizens' Advice Bureau, requires a new roof, while other changes need to be made to the interior.

The money will be used to refurbish the west end, providing a toilet for the disabled, kitchen and further facilities for meetings.

Officials would like to see the building used for a wide range of activities including art exhibitions, a community meeting space and to provide refreshments to people visiting Dursley.

The rector, the Rev Janet Bromley, explained: "The vision behind our plan is to be a hospitable Christian family, working to build bridges between the community and the church.

"Our project aims to maintain the integrity of the beautiful interior of the church whilst creating a warm and welcoming building which meets the needs of a modern town centre church.

"As a Christian family we want to encourage the church to be used as somewhere to celebrate our joyful times, as a safe place to bring our sorrows and suffering and as a place for lively and varied worship.

"The church and the parish centre is already used for many community activities and services. 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 cultural, social and spiritual life of Dursley."

She added: "I think the project could be completed in three years but we are looking at it as a five-year project. We are seeking to build a community where we can discover and learn about God's love and glory together."

The appeal will be launched at a service on Sunday, January 30 (3pm) when the preacher will be the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Rev Michael Perham.