A CHAMPAGNE reception marked the completion of a £600,000 church refurbishment project.

The scheme has altered All Saints Church, Otley, to make it better equipped to deal with modern worship and community needs.

Vicar of Otley, Rev Graham Buttanshaw, said: "Basically, the church is now a much more warm and hospitable space.

"Facilities are greatly improved for everyone, from toilets to lighting schemes, and we've had a number of enquiries about using it and already have quite a varied programme of events."

The improvements have included creating a brighter, more accessible entrance and removing most of the old Victorian pews - a move that originally caused some controversy.

Hundreds of residents, community leaders and church dignitaries poured into the Grade I Listed building to see and celebrate the results.

The official opening was led by MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) and consisted of a champagne and canape reception, with music courtesy of the All Saints Primary School Orchestra, Prince Henry's School Choir and Otley Choral Society.

A large congregation also gathered for Sunday’s Celebration Communion service, which was led by the Bishop of Richmond, The Right Reverend Paul Slater.

And later in the afternoon the church was packed for the Civic Service of Dedication led by the Bishop of Leeds, The Right Reverend Nick Baines.

In his sermon Bishop Nick urged those present to do everything they could to help the church a place where 'people can find that they have been found by God'.