CELEBRATIONS were underway at a Burley-in-Wharfedale church after its redevelopment plans were given the green light.

Worshippers can now look forward to state-of-the-art facilities at Burley Methodist Church.

Architectural drawings were finally given the thumbs up by the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee of the Methodist Church, last week.

The Reverend Philip McDonald, minister of the church, said: "I am absolutely delighted.

"They are the original plans but we had to submit a set of more detailed drawings.

"There are still a few things that we need to finalise but what the committee have said is that they do not need to see the drawings any more."

A hall and various anti-rooms will be created in the upper gallery of the church.

Removable seating downstairs will give greater flexibility to the space available - all adding up to a more up to-date building.

The congregation is also well on the way to hitting its target of £180,000.

After many fundraising efforts the coffers have now swelled to £120,000.

Once the jackpot is reached the church will qualify for a grant to take the funds to the necessary £500,000.

The former school room, adjacent to the church, will also be sold to raise cash.

Rev McDonald said he was more than impressed by the determination of his flock to reach their goal.

He said: "I am very encouraged by all that's happened. This has been going on for over five years.

"We have had a lot of set backs and a lot of obstacles but I was speaking on Sunday about persistence when you feel something is right and that is what we have done.

"I am sure that persistence will be rewarded. We have had a lot of support from people in the community and outside."