A medieval Essex church is looking to the future with plans for a graveyard extension.

St Andrew's, Marks Tey, has recently undergone a £160,000 refit, which has seen the replacement of many features including stone flooring, heating and organ.

Now the parochial church council is asking Colchester Council for permission to create additional parking and turn neighbouring agricultural land, currently owned by local brick manufacturers W H Collier, into a cemetery.

Churchwarden Andrew Waters said: "Due to covenants on the land from former owners it has taken nearly 18 months to resolve and the application process for formal approval from the diocese is also under way.

"We are aware that there is considerable concern from a number of residents that the churchyard could be forced to close. The current plans should overcome this."