A WARM welcome greeted the congregation of St Martin’s Church, Looe on Christmas Eve thanks to a grant from Viridor Credits.

The funding has enabled the church to replace a defunct oil-fired boiler with a more modern and efficient model - and has meant that seasonal services took place at a more comfortable temperature.

Churchwarden Deirdre Croker said: ‘A congregation of nearly 100 was delighted to experience the newly installed heating system at St. Martin’s, Looe, on Christmas Eve.

‘Children enjoyed searching the church for Nativity figures to create the Christmas story, led by Rev Philip Sharp, and accompanied by organist John Trethewey.’

Funding from Viridor Credits has enabled four projects at the church in recent years: UPVC doors and windows have been installed in the hall, a disabled access ramp to the church has been created and pathways have been resurfaced.

Mrs Croker continued: ‘This latest project was to replace a defunct oil-fired heating boiler with a modern twin-system equivalent, which will also be much more efficient to run. It has enabled the Grade I listed building to be used all year round once again.’