Two years ago the former heart of a village looked set for demolition.

But on Thursday there were celebrations in Thurlton as the church rooms were once again alive with smiling children.

The rooms have acted as a school and welcomed children's' clubs since their creation in 1627, but demolition seemed the likely option two years ago when they fell into disrepair.

However, after the diocese agreed to let villager Susan Young lease the buildings, she has worked with the community to develop them into a suitable home for her Truly Scrumptious Cookery Club.

Mrs Young, 52, said: 'It was in a terrible state of disrepair and they were talking of demolishing it but I came in and had a look and said it was perfect. The feel, the size, the lot was just absolutely perfect.'

Members of the community rallied around to overhaul the rooms with new wiring, plumbing and plastering, while the Raveningham Community and Enterprise Trust provided a vital grant for �1,000.

Mrs Young said: 'I am so grateful for the support from Sir Nicholas and the help of the local people has been superb.

'We had a family who were having a new kitchen give us a dishwasher and a fridge freezer, and another who gave us an oven.

'The community really has came together and we were painting up until midnight until the opening.'

The club opened in August but last Thursday they celebrated with Sir Nicholas Bacon from the Raveningham Community and Enterprise Trust, as they held a special Christmas workshop.

Reindeer cakes and peppermint creams were among the treats created, as the children stepped away from the usual healthy-eating ethos for a one-off occasion. Those who had helped were also asked along for mince pies.

Truly Scrumptious Cookery Club started when Mrs Young took her passion for healthy cooking into Seething and Mundham Primary School.

This proved successful and the classes soon spread, with Mrs Young working at a number of schools across the Waveney Valley, as she encourages the children to cook with seasonal, local and organic ingredients.

For more on the club visit www.trulyscrumptiouscookeryclub.com