Newly-formed guardians of a former leper chapel have dispelled fears that it could soon be converted into a home.

Confusion arose over the old leper chapel and a nearby Victorian building. Both are called St Mary Magdalen and are just a short distance from each other.

Only weeks ago a friends' group was set up to safeguard the future of the St Mary Magdalen Chapel, in Ripon, North Yorkshire, which was built in 1120 and was part of a leper hospital.

Across the road is a Victorian chapel also known as St Mary Magdalen, in Magdalen's Road. It is the Victorian former place of worship which has become the subject of a planning application to convert it into a home.

Maurice Taylor, chairman of the friends' group at the former leper chapel, said the Victorian building was sold last year by its trustees and had been taken out of use in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, the newly-formed friends of the leper chapel are stepping up their campaign to attract new members and a brighter future for the building is predicted.

Mr Taylor confirmed there were no plans to convert it into a home. The friends'group has about 50 members. The chapel will be used for worship as well as poetry and music.

Information about joining the friends is available on 01765 604778.