A ROMSEY church has been awarded gold status for their environmentally-friendly work over the past four years.

Romsey Methodist Church, The Hundred, was given the Gold Eco Church Award after being assessed on categories such as how the place of worship tackles their carbon footprint and how the congregation works alongside environmental groups over the world.

The scheme is run by the environmental campaigning charity, A Rocha UK, which aims to protect and restore the natural world while mobilising Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment.

Revd Gareth Hill, a Methodist minister based in Romsey, said: “We are thrilled with the award that has come after really hard work by the whole church.

“Since 2015 we have completely redeveloped the building to be more flexible and user-friendly.

“The £400,000 refurbishment was complemented by growing our work with children and families, engaging with community initiatives in the town, learning how to offer the best welcome to visitors and new worshippers - and recognising our responsibilities as stewards of this earth.

“As Christians, we believe that God as Creator is passionately concerned for the planet. We want to do our bit - not just in Romsey but on a wider scale too.”

The church was also praised for hosting regular green fairs, drawing together Christians, environmental campaigning groups and schools.

The award was given to Romsey Methodist Church on May 21.