Restoration of a Bedwas church that has cost almost £260,000 has been completed after three years.
The work at St Barrwg’s Church which overlooks the village includes the replacement of the roof, following a beetle infestation, and creating a community space with new kitchen and toilet facilities.
It is believed the Grade II listed church is on a site that has been used for Christian worship since 1102.
Revd Peter Crocker, vicar of St Barrwg’s, said: “It is very exciting to see the improvements to St Barrwg’s following this work.
“The discovery of the beetle infestation was a blessing in disguise; the resulting work has enabled us to create a space in the Church which helps us be a resource to the local community.
“The inclusion of a new kitchen and toilet facilities, and the removal of the pews give us a flexible space, which we can use for parent and toddler groups, coffee mornings and other community events.
“We have also installed a ramp to help with accessibility to the Church, which enables access for all to this stunning worship space.
“We are very much looking forward to making full use of the Church for worship, community events and to help local school children and visitors learn more about the history of the Church and the local area.”
The restoration was carried out with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Church in Wales, CADW and Caerphilly County Borough Council, as well as a number of private donors.
Richard Bellamy, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, said: “Places of worship are among the UK’s most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this money paid for urgent repairs at St Barrwg’s Church, whilst also helping to tell the stories of this special place to visitors.
“As a result the building itself will be more used by the whole community, and properly cared for into the future.”