A CHURCH is preparing to reopen its doors to the public nearly six years after it was closed for health and safety reasons.

St Aidan's Church, in Middle Hill, Barrow, has undergone extensive renovations since it was deemed unsafe due to a leaking roof in October 2011.

Now, after a major investment of £280,000, the church will welcome various dignitaries, including the Bishop of Carlisle, to a special celebration of thanks this Sunday at 3pm, in what organisers say is the culmination of years of hard work to renovate the 50-year-old building.

Canon Gary Cregeen, team rector of south Barrow, said: "When I came to Barrow just over five years ago, St Aidan’s had recently closed and for some folk they thought it was the beginning of the end.

"However, what has emerged is something transformative, not least with the development of a Community Cafe for Newbarns.

"We want the church to be used, not just for an hour a week on a Sunday, but to be more creative in our use of that space. It is a great resource."

Pupils from Newbarns Primary School will take part in the Church's opening ceremony and the mayor and mayoress of Barrow will also be in attendance.

While Sunday service has been able to continue in the church hall during the repair work, the newly refurbished building will boast a worship space, a cafe and new toilets.

The money for the rebuild was provided by several organisations, including a £50,000 donation from the Wren Foundation and £100,000 from the diocese.

Mr Cregeen added: "It has been very demanding and very satisfying.

"I know people often think of churches as sitting on huge stockpiles of cash, but in Barrow we do not have that luxury.

"What St Aidans really has in its favour is that it is situated at the heart of the Newbarns estate, and there is a real feeling here that people are pulling together for the common good."

The relaunch of St Aidans, forms part of the 'Fit for Purpose' initiative, aimed at exploring ways in which the church can be used by people in the community.