It was hailed as a 'momentous day' for an east coast village.

Eastern Daily Press: Dignitaries in attendance at a special ceremony at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESDignitaries in attendance at a special ceremony at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

After years of hard work, a major conservation project was celebrated as applause echoed out around the Hopton Ruined Church.

The St Margaret's Church site near Great Yarmouth has been part of the community since Medieval times.

Eastern Daily Press: The mayor of Great Yarmouth at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe mayor of Great Yarmouth at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

And the present day community gathered at an official ceremony to open the ruins and garden to the public on Sunday as a new information board and bench were unveiled.

There was a celebratory feel as those involved were joined by special guests and representatives from funding organisations.

Eastern Daily Press: A display of photographs showcasing the project at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESA display of photographs showcasing the project at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Unveiling the new information board and bench – which features a plaque thanking everyone involved in the project – at the surrounding Millennium Gardens, the Lord Bishop of Norwich, the Rt. Rev Graham James, said: 'It is a delight to be here.

In 2008 we did a deal with the parish council, it was a whole £1 to buy this plot – a bargain at the time. 'Thanks to Heritage Lottery funding and a lot of local fundraising now we have got something stable and secure. Today is a momentous day – a celebration of the vision and the extraordinary hard work of people in Hopton and everyone else involved in this project.'

Eastern Daily Press: Hopton Parish Council chairman Colin Sykes on the newly unveiled bench at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESHopton Parish Council chairman Colin Sykes on the newly unveiled bench at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

With the project led by Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Darren Barker, conservation officer from the trust, said: 'The project to repair and stabilise the ruin has seen many volunteers giving hundreds of hours, working in all weathers, to save this for future generations. We should all be very proud.'

With the ruin being a focal point for the village, and the peaceful setting of the Millennium Gardens giving people the chance to sit and reflect, chairman of the parish council, Colin Sykes, said: 'This is a fantastic achievement – a huge thank you to all involved. It is absolutely the perfect setting for this.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Lord Bishop of Norwich, The Rt. Revd. Graham James unveils the new information board at the ruins of st Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe Lord Bishop of Norwich, The Rt. Revd. Graham James unveils the new information board at the ruins of st Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

St Margaret's Church, in Coast Road, had burned down in 1865 and the ruins were a dangerous structure on the English Heritage buildings at risk register. In 2008 the parish council agreed to buy the ruins for £1 from the Church of England.

The project also involved the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, the Pilgrim Trust, the parish council, and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lord Bishop of Norwich, The Rt. Revd. Graham James unveils the new information board at the ruins of st Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe Lord Bishop of Norwich, The Rt. Revd. Graham James unveils the new information board at the ruins of st Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The new information board at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe new information board at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A new bench, featuring a plaque to thank all those involved in the conservation project at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESA new bench, featuring a plaque to thank all those involved in the conservation project at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A new bench, featuring a plaque to thank all those involved in the conservation project at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWESA new bench, featuring a plaque to thank all those involved in the conservation project at the ruins of St Margaret's Church, Hopton-on-Sea. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)