Work is set to start within two months on removing around ten pews at St Mary's Church and raising the floor to create a more flexible space for worship and concerts.

Newent's rector, Reverend Robert Simpson, is currently in final talks with builders and architects and has been told the total cost of the work will be around £10,000.

He said: "We do have some of the money, but obviously we will launch an appeal."

Three rows of pews at the back of the church will be removed to create extra standing space where people can gather for talks, after community events.

Disabled access to the church will be improved with the removal of three further rows on the north side, to create a dedicated space for wheelchair users.

More general community space will be created on the north side by the removal of another three rows and pews under the pulpit will also be taken away, to create more space for choirs and visiting orchestras.

The floor itself will need to be raised, incurring the greatest costs. The work will be to conceal fittings for the removed pews that come above the present floor level.

Mr Simpson said: "It's easier to go up than go down."

The earliest parts of St Mary's Church date back to the 13th Century, but there was extensive rebuilding in the 17th Century, particularly to the nave.

Mr Simpson said there had been a long history of alterations and the latest work would continue the tradition.

He said: "It was re-ordered two or three times in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This will create a more flexible space for worship and use by the community."