Work to renovate a 19th Century Worcester church has begun.

The much needed re-development of the Rainbow Hill Baptist Church, off Astwood Road, includes knocking down a small room at the rear of the church, which will make way for a larger extension to be used as a community hall. Internal alterations will also see new toilets being built as well as a fitted kitchen.

Rev Kerry Birch is the church's baptist minister.

He said: "It is a case of trying to make the most of the resources that we have both financial and in terms of space that is available to build in.

"The redevelopment also means that the premises will be more usable by local groups. We are thrilled by the work. It has needed to be done for a long time."

The main Victorian building used to be a Sunday school and has over the years had extensions built on to it. It became a church in the early 1990s.

The work is expected to take about six months to complete. The total development will cost about £100,000. However, due to the development, church services cannot be held there so while the work takes place the congregation will instead gather for services at nearby St Barnabas Church, which is off Green Lane, Astwood.

Mr Birch added: "They have a small hall and they have allowed us to use it on Sunday mornings, which we feel is very kind, helpful and generous."