VILLAGERS in Holcombe have celebrated the 80th anniversary of the parish church.

St George’s Church marked the occasion of the anniversary of the consecration with a celebration Open Day event with flower arrangements and historical displays.

Guest of honour was Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury.

The church building dates back to 1867 when it was originally a school for the children of Holcombe village and a Chapel of Ease.

It was extended in 1890, and then consecrated as a District Church to St George the Martyr on April 221945.

St. George’s is at heart of the village, below the Village Hall with its car park, and the Castle Inn and is ‘much loved' by many in the local community.

In 2018 the Church Council turned its attention to the ancillary rooms which were constructed in 1980 but which were now posing challenges.

Thanks to a generous legacy, new catering facilities were created alongside a total refurbishment of the Church Rooms, including the foyer and accessible toilet.

The church council has also been trying to improve accessibility as currently it the church and garden can only be accessed via the Victorian steps.

Wheelchair access is now provided through the church rooms foyer.

The North side of the church roof and the new foyer has also been retiled.

Following the open day, the church was packed for a celebration service, led by the Rector of the Dawlish Coast Mission Community, Revd Linda Cronin.

She was joined by assisted by two former vicars of St. George's, Revd Helen Bays and Preb Chris Curd.

After the service, the congregation enjoyed a buffet and further celebrations in the village hall.