A NORTH Yorkshire church is rising from the ashes after a serious fire.

Trinity Methodist Church, in Norton, was seriously damaged last February - just hours after members of the congregation held a special service to celebrate its 144th birthday.

A mammoth fundraising effort was launched, and now plans have been submitted to Ryedale District Council as the restoration project moves a step closer to completion.

The Rev Stewart Young, minister at Trinity, said that although there was still a long way to go, the ambitious plans were closer to becoming a reality.

An application to build a new entrance way and doors at the rear of the building, off Plum Street, would open the building up and provide more space, he said. "The chapel was designed for use 145 years ago - these plans are going to open it up and make it much lighter and airier, and we hope a lot more welcoming."

"The porch was originally in the middle and that will go from the front.

"I think folks are keen that we just get down and get on with things."

Mr Young said extensive consultation had taken place with the people who use the church, including congregation members, Rainbows and Brownies, Norton mothers and toddlers group, Norton Youth Brass, a mother and baby clinic and the Sunday School.

"We have to work with what we have got and we have endeavoured between the architect and ourselves and members of the church to come up with a proposal that makes best use of the existing building," he added.

A glass partition between the fellowship hall and the main body of the church, will provide better visibility for users, he explained.

"Part of the idea is that when people come in for all these different activities they are part of the church, not just stuck in a hall that could be anywhere.

"You will feel the presence of the church and hopefully the warmth and the welcome."

The project, which should be completed by the autumn, is costing an estimated £306,000, with £280,000 already raised towards the scheme.

Toddler group leader Maureen Ellis said they were excited at the thought of a new home.

At the moment the group, like other church users, are at Bethell Methodist, down the road.

"I think it's going to be beautiful," she said.

"Once we get settled in we will be fine, and we are really looking forward to getting back."

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, February 27, 2003