TO mark the achievements of the Horsley 3in1 project and to launch the space as a cultural venue, a grand party is being held on Saturday,March 26 at 8.30pm.

There will be contributions from the worlds of jazz, theatre and film and a chance to see the facilities on offer.

A pioneering project in Horsley, Stroud, has transformed the local parish church into a vibrant space at the heart of the school and community.

Following a long process of transformation St Martin’s Church in Horsley was rededicated as a place of worship in a service led by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Michael Perham on Sunday, March 6 which was attended by almost 200 people.

The Church will also be used by the local Church of England school as its school hall providing an indoor space for the children to hold assemblies, perform plays and concerts, display artwork and practice gymnastics.

It is hoped that the third use of the space will be as a venue for a diverse range of events for the local community and beyond. Helen Knuckle who has been involved with the project for many years said. "The project to transform the church into a space which can be used for worship and for the local school has been remarkable. The wonderful old building is now being used most days rather than just Sundays and it is a vibrant, dynamic space. Our next aim is to use the space as a place where people can come to see art, plays, concerts and film."