It may look like an unassuming red-brick building in the heart of a small north Norfolk village, but it is actually a unique survivor of regional history.

Eastern Daily Press: Swanton Abbott's Weslyan Reform Chapel nearly closed two years ago but was saved by Pastor Peter Mitchell who got a grant for £58,000 for it's refurbishment.Picture: MARK BULLIMORESwanton Abbott's Weslyan Reform Chapel nearly closed two years ago but was saved by Pastor Peter Mitchell who got a grant for £58,000 for it's refurbishment.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Two years ago the chapel in Swanton Abbott, near North Walsham, seemed doomed to closure.

It was saved, thanks to a pastor stepping forward at the 11th hour, and a small but determined congregation.

And now that loyal flock is celebrating for a second time as their much-loved building, the only remaining active Wesleyan Reform Union (WRU) chapel left in East Anglia, has been given a complete make-over.

Chapel members will throw open the doors to the local community on Saturday May 30 to show off £58,000 worth of improvements in the mid-19th century chapel.

Eastern Daily Press: The late Audrey Hunt pictured at the time of her 100th birthday.The late Audrey Hunt pictured at the time of her 100th birthday.

They include the removal of one of two galleries, creating space for a lounge, kitchen, disabled toilets and a welcome area.

The national president of the WRU, George Philips, will attend the re-dedication service at 3pm, followed by tea and fellowship.

And in future, chapel members hope local organisations will use the building, joining Swanton Abbott Parish Council which already holds its meetings there.

'We want to make a big effort. Hopefully, with the building now being comfortable, people will come and use our premises,' said pastor Peter Mitchell, 69, from Scottow, a retired master baker.

As a Methodist lay preacher for more than 30 years, he offered to take over as pastor in 2013 when WRU chiefs said the chapel would have to close as its last pastor, Sian Edwards, had left the previous September with no successor.

But the chapel was owned by its members, rather than the WRU, according to Mr Mitchell.

He and his congregation decided to keep it going in memory of Audrey Hunt, who died in her 101st year, in 2010.

Mrs Hunt, a hugely-respected member of the Swanton Abbott community, had worshipped at the chapel since she was a little girl and, as an adult, she and her husband Arthur were its linchpins.

'They worked tirelessly to keep the chapel open, and the present membership, who knew her, didn't want to see it closed,' said Mr Mitchell.

Cash for the improvement work came from the WRU and chapel funds raised over many years by its congregation, which now averages about 20 at Sunday morning services.

Anyone interested in finding out about booking the chapel should phone Mr Mitchell on 01692 218125.