A Cornish Methodist chapel has been spared from auction, thanks to a local fundraising campaign.

St Just Wesleyan Methodist Church dates back to 1833, where it was a staple of community life for mining families, and became known as the ‘miners’ church’.

The building is known for its acoustic quality, and was granted Grade II listed status in 1973.

Yet in 2016, it closed due to dwindling congregation numbers.

The building was set to be auctioned this year – until locals stepped in, pitching together £50,000 to preserve it.

Jill Stott, from the St Just Miners’ Chapel Charity, told Cornwall Live: "This is a momentous victory for community spirit and heritage preservation. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our £50,000 fundraising target and have been successful in our application to the Community Ownership Fund.

“This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment in the Chapel’s nearly 200-year history, securing its future for generations to come."

The charity hopes it will be able to purchase the building, and use it as a for-hire performance space, as well as a place to host spiritual gatherings.