AN UPSTAIRS downstairs-style period house has become a community hub in Nailsea after being officially opened on Saturday.

The former seven bedroom rectory at Holy Trinity Church, in Old Church Road, was bought from the Diocese in 2008 by The Parochial Church Council, for �500,000 to save it from private ownership.

Following a �200,000 renovation project, Trinity House, a Grade II-listed building, will now serve the ministries of Holy Trinity and Trendlewood churches, as offices and a meeting place for community and church groups.

More than 170 people crammed into the church for a service before the Archdeacon of Bath and Wells, The Venerable Andy Piggott, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Visitors then stayed for a guided tour of the historic 17th-century house.

Associate vicar, The Rev Steve Tilley, said he was ‘delighted’ to see what was originally ‘just a pipe dream’, finally open its doors to the public.

He said: “We had to shelter in the hall and push the archdeacon out into the driving rain to cut the tape but it was worth it and everyone enjoyed looking around.

“It looks fantastic now but we weren’t so confident while building work was going on.”

Organisations including a mother and toddler group and the youth club will be based there and rooms are available for hire.

The house also contains a kitchen and two flats, which will be rented out and there are plans to transform the garden into a peaceful community space.

The refurbishment costs were raised by the 350-strong congregation during a gift day and other fundraising events.

The building originally had ten bedrooms with a kitchen, pantry, servants hall and scullery for staff and dining room and study for the rector, the Rev Brown when he lived there with his mother, who bought the patronage in 1840.

An Easter Fair with children’s activities including crafts, a Great Bunny Hunt and an Eggstravaganza is due to take place at the church, including Trinity House, from 10am-2pm, on Saturday (24th).