The 12th century Hilmarton church that is home to one of the few surviving copies of the original King James Bible is celebrating a modern leap forward.

St Laurence Church has gained a community corner with a new kitchen with butler’s sink, baby changing facilities and a disabled toilet.

It cost around £50,000 to build and can be hidden during services by four custom-made oak panels designed to fit in with the original church decor.

Funding for the project, which began seven years ago, was provided by seven different organisations, including Viridor Credits which donated £33,000.

The church also received £10,000 from the National Churches Trust, £4,025 from Calne’s area board, and £364 from the Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Although there is already a village hall, this is not available in school hours and the changes will allow the church to be used as an alternative meeting place.

St Laurence regularly attracts tour groups anxious to see the King James Bible, and they would be able to use the kitchen for refreshments during the day.

The new open area could be used to hold small exhibitions and run a free trade stall.

The church is a Grade I listed building and the redesign has been overseen by English Heritage, the Victorian Society and a church architect.

To complete the corner, five pews were removed, as well as the wooden boarding underneath these, and a water supply was installed.

Geoff Procter, a member of the Hilmarton Parochial Church Council, said the improvements would help make the church more of a focal point in the village.

He said: “Decisions to change are made with great care and attention. This has ensured a sympathetic and most acceptable improvement to the church.

“For many years people have not attended their parish church for local events, through age, infirmity and disablement, because there was no WC facility on hand.

“We would like to thank the individuals and companies who made this possible.”

The church will hold a Christmas music concert on Saturday, December 7, at 7.30pm starring Cantemus, a choir from Newbury.