Parishioners are celebrating the installation of a range of new equipment at their church which has been funded with grants and a legacy from a churchgoer.

Eastern Daily Press: Thornage church is to get a new toilet and tea-making point. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYThornage church is to get a new toilet and tea-making point. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

All Saints' Parish Church in Thornage, near Holt, welcomed the completion of improvements, including a kitchen installation, upgraded toilet facilities and the provision of disabled access during a service and opening ceremony on Sunday .

The £56,000 project was given a boost with a £10,000 grant from North Norfolk District Council's Big Society Fund.

A generous legacy left to All Saints Parish Church by the late Joan Ayden, who lived in Thornage and was a regular worshipper at the church, has also helped fund the improvement work.

A donation of £1,500 was given to the Church Council by Tesco.

The Rev Barry Tomlinson, vicar at the Grade II listed building for four years, said there had been a desperate need for the new facilities.

He said: 'Some people had complained saying they did not feel toilet facilities were necessary for a church as people could go before they came, but what they do not understand is some people could have travelled from London for a wedding, and then when they ask where the toilet is you have to tell them to go to Holt.

'To my mind, toilet facilities are essential. I am so pleased that we have these new facilities which will make the church building more useful to the community.'

North Norfolk District council leader, Tom FitzPatrick, said the improvements would allow the church to be used as a venue by residents, clubs, and groups for social activities.

Earlier this year it was reported how the church had undergone a two-year battle to be able to build the toilets which had sparked fears about disturbing a grave of Mabel Rose Barnard and her husband.

Mr Tomlinson said in the end they had not gone near the grave when building the toilet.

Do you know of a community organisation which has been given a funding boost? If so email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk.