Christians are going underground in Sandy Lane with an extension of their church.

The growing congregation at Bethel Baptist Church needed to create extra space for their worshippers and Sunday school members.

But building above ground was not an option so the decision was made to dig through the floor and create a basement.

And on Monday the JCBs moved in to get going on the transformation.

Pastor Dave Wilson said: "We are surrounded by a graveyard and the only place where there aren't any graves is where we are going in to make the new entrance.

"It's a bit frightening. I used to be a civil engineer and I know the complexity of the job but it is exciting. Everyone now feels something is happening.

"There was a period of about six weeks when we had moved out but we couldn't see anything."

The work will mean the existing church, which holds about 100 people, will be able to cater for 30 to 40 more

About £185,000 has been raised by denominational grants, giving and loans by the congregation. Another £20,000 is needed to complete the new kitchen area.

The new facilities will include a hall, a new street level entrance in Cottingley Road and a lift linking both floors.

Since April 26 morning worship has been shared with the Methodist Church.

Mr Wilson said: "All our members have been very pleased with the warmth of the welcome and the total co-operation. Nothing has been too much trouble. I can't express my thanks enough."

He intends to feature the Methodist Church in a plaque being put up in the completed building in tribute to the organisations who have helped.

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