WORK has begun to repair the roof of one of Ryedale's landmark churches.

The work is the first phase of a proposed £1.5m transformation of Malton's Methodist church to better equip it as a place of worship and to become a centre which the whole community can use.

The church, which has been on the current site in Saville Street for more than 207 years, considered options for its continuance in the town following the discovery of significant structural issue with its roof in September 2015.

The discovery followed a routine maintenance inspection of the property, following which the building was temporarily closed on the advice of safety consultants.

Following completion of the roof works towards the end of March, the building will be open every day for visitors, and a permanent exhibition will be displayed about the building and the main plans for its transformation.

They include meeting rooms, new cloakrooms, changes to the interior, partly repurposing it as a 550-seat concert hall – including the re-instatement of a large historic pipe organ – and the creation of a new café.

Development lead Paul Emberley said: “ We have a tremendous asset here on our doorstep and once redeveloped, it will help to meet the needs of a growing community in Malton."