There will be an opportunity to view the plans for the cloister-style extension at St Mary’s Church in Devizes on Saturday.

The church hosts an open day from 9.30am-3pm for people to see and discuss the plans with the architects, Batterham Matthews Design, and members of St Mary’s Future Group, in advance of the plans being submitted to Wiltshire Council.

The proposed £1.2million extension would house toilets, changing spaces, small meeting rooms and facilities for catering, storage and administration.

In addition the nave of the church would be opened out and moveable seating fitted to be used for performances, exhibitions, receptions and gatherings.

There will be fiction titles, children’s and non-fiction books for sale.

In response to the many requests for trips up the church tower, it will be open for a small charge.

The ringing chamber will also be open mid-morning so visitors can chat with the bell ringers as they climb the tower staircase.

Ongoing work by specialist contractor Minerva Stone Conservation, of Bradford on Avon, has now removed the render in the south aisle, exposing areas of ancient, fine quality ashlar stonework for the first time in many years.

The wall fixing points for the gallery over two bays in the south aisle can now be seen. The gallery, built in 1706, was taken down in the 1854 restoration.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be served on the day.