AN ambitious project to restore a country church to its former glory has reached the end of its first phase.

A new vestry and chapel have been created at St Michael's Church, Malton, as part of the £250,000 scheme.

The Reverend Nick Jones said the successful conclusion would act as a springboard for the next stage of the project.

"This is an exciting new development in our church life, and everyone in Malton is welcome to call in for a chat and a look around," he said. "Now we have these new amenities we are looking ahead five years, by which time we hope to have completed the project."

Later work would involve developing the church's parish rooms to encourage greater community use, said Mr Jones.

"We will be building some much-needed toilets, and we need to spend substantial amounts on restoring the church tower and overhauling the church organ."