Swindon College students have been getting stuck in to give a new lease of life to a church in need of updating.

Painting and decorating students, as well as plastering students, from the college in North Star have been using their skills at All Saints Church, in Southbrook Street, for two months to update its interior.

The students concentrated on the church hall, toilets, hallway and social rooms, transforming the venue for the congregation.

The church’s vicar, Rev Angela Overton-Benge, said: “I cannot believe the work that has been done and it’s brilliant – if the college students hadn’t helped the church out this could never have happened at all due to lack of funds and people power.

“The students were fantastic and brilliant to have around. I want to say a big thank you to the students and the college tutors.”

The students started work – which included insulation in the ceilings – on the church in February and everyone who was involved with the completed project went to see it on Thursday.

A grand opening will take today, which will be held alongside the church’s Spring Fayre from 11am.

Level 2 painting and decorating student, Claire Harper, who was involved in the project, said: “It has been great to be giving something back to the community and it’s good practice for us too. It has been hard work but definitely worth it, it’s been really good fun working on a real site and good to see it finally having a grand opening.”

Everyone is invited to see the results of the students’ hard work at the grand opening. A spokesman for the college said: “If you are around please feel free to pop in to see the newly renovated church and see all the hard work that has gone into this project by the Swindon College students.”

To see photos of the work taking place search for Swindon College on Facebook. For details of construction courses at Swindon College call 0800 731 2250 or visit www.swindon-college.ac.uk.