A CHURCH has installed a new central heating system in time for Christmas — after being given a £23,000 makeover.

Cornerstone Church, in Lord’s Stile Lane, Bromley Cross, was given a grant by Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that awards grants to community and environmental projects across the UK.

The church, built in 1984, does not have cavity wall and floor insulation which meant heat would get lost very quickly.

But now it has a full central heating system and cavity wall insulation, and has reinsulated and re-carpeted the floor of its multi-purpose hall.

Lee Banfield, Pastor of Cornerstone Church, said: “It has been a tremendous boost to the church and the many visitors who use the Cornerstone throughout the week.

“We’re very grateful to the Biffa Award for their help.

“Without the grant, this transformation would not have been possible.”

The building, which is used by Bromley Cross Village Choir among others, once struggled to reach 18 degrees celsius.

Now, it can reach 21 degrees celsius, which is standard room temperature.

Mr Banfield, who has been a pastor at the church for two years, is looking forward to having a warmer Christmas this time around.

He said: “For this time of year, the building used to be quite cold. No matter how long we had the heating on, it could never get warm.

"But we now have a lovely warm and welcoming community facility and everybody has noticed the difference in temperature.

“It not only feels warmer, it looks warmer as well. It’s perfect timing, especially with Christmas around the corner.”

Work to install the new heating system and relay the floors took just over two weeks.

Gillian French, Biffa Award programme manager, said: “We are pleased to support the installation of a new heating system and improved insulation in both the walls and the floor at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

“This project will greatly benefit this community facility, by improving the comfort and reducing the carbon footprint.”

Biffa Award’s money comes from landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. Biffa Award is managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT).