A CHURCH that has undergone a £300,000 makeover has fallen £30,000 short of being able to pay for the work.

But the Reverend Canon Pat Prestney is confident when people see the beauty of the building, they will put their hands in their pockets to make up the loan shortfall.

Months of work have been done at St Mary’s Church, Lawford. Installation of a £180,000 carbon-neutral under floor heating system was among the work carried out.

Human remains were discovered below the floor and damp caused part of the church roof to collapse along the way.

But despite the revamp being finished, more money is still needed to pay labourers.

Canon Prestney said: “I am sure the church will rally.”

“When they see the beauty of the building and when they see how practical it is now and how easy it will be to maintain and how much it honours God, I think they will want to invest in its future,” she added.

An open day is being held there on May 9 to give people the chance to see the completed building. Members of the church are also giving it a spring clean on Saturday.

Canon Prestney said: “I am so excited. They really have done a wonderful job.

“It looks like it would have in the 13th century. I can’t wait to fill it with people.”

A sizzling sausage supper, the first of many events to raise money, takes place at the church on May 16.

Tickets cost £5. Call 01206 396107 to book.

The Bishop of Colchester will rededicate the church on May 17.