THIS is one of three exclusive images showing how an historic town centre church will be transformed as part of a huge £600,000 redevelopment plan.

The artist’s impressions of the new- look Trinity Methodist Church in Whitby Road went on display during an event on Friday, which was attended by more than 50 people, including the Pioneer, borough MP Andrew Miller and leading business figures.

Footsteps to the Future, a self-financing company consisting of church members and volunteers set up to oversee the project, submitted a planning application this week.

They want to transform the site into a community facility by building a healthy food café, refurbishing the crèche and creating arts facilities for local groups.

So far the church has a third of the cash needed for the works, so it invited firms from the town to view its plans in a bid to secure funding and expertise.

The Rev Christine Jones said: “We’re going to work our socks off during 2009 to see if we can get as much funding as we can. We will build what is funded.”

Mr Miller, who was a guest speaker at the event, said: “In the town centre the community is incredibly varied, as are the businesses. This project is about engaging with everyone, reaching out on to the pavement and creating links with those in the greatest financial need.

“This is an example of how a building that may not be as busy as it used to be, can be transformed with the right vision.”

More exclusive images of the new-look church – page 2.