AN EPISODE of a programme focusing on the rescue of "neglected architectural treasures" which was filmed in Oxenhope will be screened this evening.

Tonight's episode of Restoration Man, which will be shown on Channel Four at 9pm, will feature a project to restore a disused Oxenhope church and turn it into a modern family home.

The programme makers – Tiger Aspect Productions – followed Colin and Emma Clewes, who had taken on the challenge of renovating and converting the former Hawksbridge Baptist Chapel property.

They were helped and advised by Restoration Man presenter, architect George Clarke.

Series producer Bob Marsden, who himself coincidentally grew up in Oxenhope, explained that the 100-year-old the church building had outlived its original use but still had its pews and altar when the Clewes began their refurbishment and conversion project.

Mr Marsden said the Clewes did much of the work themselves, while sticking to a tight budget.

In August, the programme makers invited local people to celebrate the historic building's centenary, by holding a small fete next to the property.

The occasion featured performances by Haworth Brass Band, a display of archives relating to the church, and a chance to meet the presenter Mr Clarke.

Mr and Mrs Clewes, who have come to Oxenhope from Bingley and have three young children, have now moved into the converted building, which they first bought about 18 months ago.

Mr Clewes, who has his own sign-making company, said: "We'd been looking for a property to do up for quite a while.

"I could never see myself living in a modern, new-build box. I'd been looking at the prices of some of those types of house and freaking out at how much you have to pay for so little.

"We were after a family home, and once I had a chance to view the church I feel in love with it. It felt like a home, even though it wasn't a home then."

He said some of the work needed to convert the building was "back-breaking", but said the accompanying television crew and presenter had been very supportive.

"The camera crew were brilliant and George Clarke did get his hands dirty, he's exactly like you see him on television," he said.

"We upcycled and re-used many of the architectural features which helped us with the costs. Externally there has been very little visual change to the building. It still looks like a church from the outside.

"We're pleased with how it has turned out. We've achieved our goals and have been able to spend our first Christmas in our new home with the kids running around inside."