A VINTAGE family fayre takes place today to celebrate the renovation of a new church site.

Unlike other prominent church buildings that have become shops or bars, the former Poole Methodist church at Ashley Road has been renovated to become the second site for Gateway Church - a growing congregation who already meet at Alder Road and Poole Quay.

Gateway Church has restored the space for the community by completely renovating the building, including redecorating the inside, repairing windows, and adding new retro-style lighting. The back hall has been carpeted and walls painted to maximise its use as a multi-purpose space for the community.

It has been a focal point for the community since 1902, when it was first constructed for a fee of £1,600.

Roy Cooke, owner of Terry's Butchers across the road, was married there 25 years ago.

He said: “I’m delighted to see the church being fully renovated. It’s a boost for Ashley Road and the surrounding community.”

In the week running up to the church's first Sunday service tomorrow, the community has held a number of events to promote their good work.

There was a tea dance with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Tuesday and a secret cinema event on Friday.

Organisers hope the fayre, that promises live music and entertaining acts, will draw in hundreds of visitors.

The first Sunday service takes place at 10.45am.

Senior pastor, Matt Hosier, said: “At Gateway Church we want to help people experience the reality of God at work in their lives. We do this because we really do believe that God is personal, and that meeting him is good. So the more places we can meet in and demonstrate this the better.”

Methodists have been meeting in Poole since 1842.