A MAJOR extension could be built at a historic Norfolk church in a bid to attract more members of the community to use it. St Laurence's Church in Brundall is the latest Church of England site to join in the growing campaign to place churches firmly back on the village map and ensure that people have a place to meet.

A MAJOR extension could be built at a historic Norfolk church in a bid to attract more members of the community to use it.

St Laurence's Church in Brundall is the latest Church of England site to join in the growing campaign to place churches firmly back on the village map and ensure that people have a place to meet.

Major extension plans have been drawn up for the 13th-century building, near Norwich, which could see a new worship area and kitchen and community rooms being built to attract more local groups and to host village events.

The rector, the Rev Dr Linnet Smith, said: “It is very important that churches are made available to everyone in the community, from mother and toddler groups to coffee mornings for the elderly.”

Recently the Diocese of Norwich launched an open churches scheme including a science trail at Ludham's St Catherine's Church.

And St Peter's at Spixworth, near Norwich, has formed a musical youth group and attracts visitors with its eco-friendly theme, while St Andrew's in Gorleston has applied to remove pews to free up space for community events.

Spokesman for the diocese, the Rev Jan McFarlane, said: “It is important to open up as many churches as possible to the community rather like in medieval times when churches were the centre of village life.”