A former place of worship could soon once again become a place for people to tie the knot.

St John the Theologian, on Ber Street in Norwich, is currently rented out by Norwich Historic Churches Trust as a showroom for a company that hires props for couples' big days.

However, the company is now looking to expand its services and is hoping to turn the former church into a venue for wedding ceremonies.

An application has been submitted to Norwich City Council to change the church's use from retail into a wedding venue once more.

However, while in its past existence the venue would have hosted religious services, this will provide non-religious ceremonies, along with baby namings and bridal shows.

The application says: 'The venue will be tastefully decorated inside with many of the wedding props we have collected. The décor inside will be placed all around the church.

'We have discussed our proposals with Norfolk County Council's wedding licensing team and they have expressed great interest as this will be a very unique venue in Norwich.'

If approved, the venue will allow couples to say their vows against a church backdrop, without the need for a religious ceremony.

The applicant added: 'We have had good feedback from local residents as they were hoping, when the building was in use, it would deter unsocial activity in the church grounds.

'We want to bring life back to a beautiful building that has been left empty for years.

'We aim to offer people of Norwich a new choice of venue. It will be unique in the sense that it will be decorated, it will have seating, lights and heating in a beautiful building, creating a relaxed and happy ambiance leading to a special day to remember.

'We want our business to go into a new direction and with the full support of the Trust we want to maximise the use of this beautiful building and open it widely to the people of Norwich and surrounding areas.'

Once known as St John Sepulchre, the church dates back to the 15th Century.