Rt Rev Debbie Sellin led a service to bless the development of St Andrew's, Kettering.

The church has undergone a £300,000 refurbishment project to revamp the building into a multifunctional arts centre.

Rt Rev Sellin said the church could now “engage with the people of Kettering through the arts, and through joy and laughter".

The Victorian church has been Kettering's only arts centre since 2011. Comedians such as Shappi Khorsandi, Rosie Jones, Milton Jones and Mark Thomas have graced its stage.

Vicar, author and former pop star Richard Coles is patron of the venue, and was its first special guest since the space became usable once more.  

Bishop Sellin said: "When our churches seek to be relevant to our communities, we naturally become welcoming spaces where the love of Jesus can be shared.

"I am delighted that this will enable St Andrew's to continue to be the heart of the community for long into the future."

Rev Tom Houston, vicar of St Andrew's, said: "Since Covid, we have focused on access and inclusivity for our local community, putting on concerts with local music schools, installations from local art groups and championing local performers.

"We are starting to see congregation growth through this community engagement, which is what is at the core of our presence here."