A CHURCH near Andover will benefit from a modern makeover, thanks to £10,000 of funding.

Holy Trinity Penton Mewsey Parochial Church will be given £5,000 by Hampshire County Council for this financial year and a further £5,000 in 2013/2014.

The grants to upgrade facilities were awarded at the decision day of Councillor Ken Thornber on Thursday, 13 December.

The church in Chalkcroft Lane will use the funding towards a new kitchen and an extension of the current building, which will be used as a crèche, meeting room and for other community activities.

Cllr Thornber said: “The Holy Trinity Church is hundreds of years old and a cherished building for local residents.

“Hampshire County Council is pleased to be able to support them to be able to provide an improved service to the community.”