The St Lawrence Parish Church Hall in York has re-opened following a refurbishment.

A new floor, kitchen, double glazing and boiler have been installed at the hall, which was opened for Sunday school.

Iain Milne, church warden, said: "The hall is a well-loved and well-used community space, which is excellent, but in recent years it had started looking rather scruffy. This refurbishment means the Church Hall is a warmer and much better space for not only our Sunday School to meet in, but also the other community groups that meet here."

The refurbishment is part of a bigger plan to make St Lawrence warmer and more welcoming, and churchgoers are currently fundraising for a new heating system.

Iain said: "For the last 20 years, the church has been so cold in winter that we have had to meet in the hall. The lack of heating also damages the building, so a good heating system would be a huge step forward for the community."

The Revd Jane Nattrass, Vicar of St Lawrence Parish Church, said: "St Lawrence has made an incredible journey over the last fifteen years. In 2002, it was recommended that the church building be closed and demolished as it was in such a poor state.

"But the congregation are very determined. Since then, the roof has been restored, the spire rebuilt after its collapse in 2008, and faulty electrical wiring replaced. The installation of a proper heating system in the church and a new organ will be the last parts of a major restoration project. After not having a proper pipe organ for ten years, we’re hoping to rescue a historic York-made organ currently sitting redundant."

Donations to the restoration should be sent to St Lawrence Parish Church, Lawrence Street, York, YO10 3WP, cheques made payable to 'St Lawrence’s PCC'.