LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Stanley Bleazard, treasurer of Pocklington Methodist Church, with Maurice Nicholls, property development secretary, outside the chapel which is being redeveloped Picture: Steven Bradshaw

A Chapel which has stood in an East Yorkshire town for nearly 140 years is being re-developed.

A £410,000 scheme is transforming the Methodist Church in Pocklington to take it into the 21st century.

Work includes creating a more welcoming chapel entrance, clear views from the street into the worship area and improved visibility of the pulpit.

A new kitchen and toilets will be fitted, while disabled access is being improved and a neighbouring house will be refurbished and used for Sunday school and church activities.

The chapel and house will be fully equipped with new heating, lighting and sound systems.

The chapel's congregation will be meeting at Woldgate School while re-development is carried out.

A spokesman for the Methodist Church said: "The church is thankful to its members, friends, town and charity organisations for their financial assistance in this major project, which is costing over £410,000."

The new chapel will be officially opened on May 27.

Methodism has been active in Pocklington since the movement's founder, John Wesley, visited the town in 1752.

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