The former congregation of Cleckheaton's Providence Chapel would scarcely believe they were in the same building if they were to visit again today.

The historical landmark building, built in 1857, lay in neglect for ten years before local businessman Mohammed Tabassum transformed it at a cost of £1.7 million into what is billed the world's largest Indian restaurant, Aakash.

The chapel has seen such a tremendous facelift that it has this year been taken off the English Heritage Buildings at Risk register, which lists the country's most important historic buildings threatened with neglect and decay.

A skilled team of contractors have fought against bad weather and structural problems to restore the roof to its former glory. In place of dirty floors and rubble now lies a plush carpet, while clouds have been painted on the gilded gold ceiling where cobwebs and chipped stone once hung. Many of the building's original features, such as the horse shoe gallery and pulpit, have been retained.

Mr Tabassum, 59, began work on the building almost a year ago.

"When I first saw the chapel I thought it was a truly beautiful building," he said. "I had an image in my mind of how I wanted to transform it and although there were setbacks, I never gave up hope and am now very proud of how it looks.

"I would definitely urge other people to do what I have done because although it has been very hard, it is well worth it to see it like this."

He said despite the building's structural problems, it was the car park which had caused the most problems because of rain and bad weather last year.

"We also had a problem with the ceiling and had to do it twice," said Mr Tabassum, who has lived on the site for the past 12 months. "The first time it was finished, we switched on the heating and the ceiling began to fall down because the roof was damp."

He said a party of 55 members of the chapel's former congregation had already booked tables on the opening night - July 9 - to judge the improvement for themselves.

English Heritage has hailed the scheme an excellent example of how the private sector can utilise an historic building, save it from decay and use it to contribute to economic regeneration.

English Heritage Regional Assistant Director John Hinchliffe, pictured right with Mr Tabassum, said the building had previously been a significant concern.

"The chapel is a remarkable survivor, yet it faced a bleak future before Mr Tabassum showed vision and set about tapping its potential," he said.

"The refurbishment has been done sensitively and with considerable imagination. Now the building, which is a notable Cleckheaton landmark, has a viable and sustainable future.

"The community needs change and I would like to think that the people who built this place would be pleased to see that the best part of 150 years on, it is still such a predominant building in Cleckheaton."