GOOD heavens! A derelict DIY store has been given a new lease of life - as a temporary church to hundreds of worshippers.

Members of Bournemouth Family Church are praying amongst the former paint aisles at an empty B&Q store while, coincidentally, their usual place of worship undergoes extensive home improvements.

The non-denominational Christian church originally looked for hotels that could accommodate them while the St Swithun's Centre in Gervis Road was refurbished.

But after struggling to find anywhere able to cope with their massive congregation of between 400 and 500 people, they hit upon the idea of using the former B&Q store at Holdenhurst Road.

Pastor Andrew Lawrence, one of a team of four leaders at the church, said: "B&Q was empty so we contacted them and they have been absolutely marvellous. I really can't praise them enough.

"I think they were quite surprised by the request - it's not every day somebody wants to use an old DIY store as a church - but they've bent over backwards to help us."

And the choice has also proved a winner with the congregation. "They absolutely love it. I don't think they'll ever want to leave," Mr Lawrence added.

"If B&Q was for sale and we had the seven or eight million pounds required to buy it, we would do so in a flash.

"We see the church as being about the people, not the building. For us, it's really about having the space to welcome as many people along as possible and B&Q has space in abundance."

The unusual surroundings could also be helping to inspire worshippers as they assist with the next phase of the centre's refurbishment.

Energetic young men from the church have been taking time off work or using up holiday leave to help with the massive project.

Mr Lawrence said: "It has been a hugely humbling and gratifying experience to see families in our church give sacrificially towards the growth of the community.

"We have had four to five men from the church come each day to help with the floor work and in addition to that we've had others who've come in to serve those working."

The extended St Swithun's Centre should be ready to open by the end of October, with an increased seating capacity of 475.