A 16-month campaign and year-long fund-raising effort has succeeded in buying a redundant Methodist church to turn it into an arts, youth and community centre.

The charity Winchcombe Arts and Community Hub (WACH) was formed only this year.

A local appeal, backed by national and local government bodies, raised more than £500,000 in a short time and resulted this week in contracts being exchanged for the purchase of the church in Winchcombe High Street.

Work is now expected to start in January on refurbishing the 1885 building with the intention of opening in mid-2024 with a programme of music, comedy and performances.

WACH chair Gill Cocks said: "This is an historic day for Winchcombe and the surrounding area in north-east Gloucestershire.

"It is what the community has been wanting for years. There is still much to do, but we look forward to having many of our hundreds of wonderful supporters participate in making it a great success."