A redundant church in Sandwich has become a “flagship of excellence” as an arts venue according to the town’s mayor.

Cllr Joe Trussler sang the praises of St Mary’s at the annual meeting of the Community Trust.

“Sandwich has a lot to offer with its venues for public events and St Mary’s is a shining example of this.”

During the evening entertainment was provided by four musician and Rebecca Rees from The Churches Conservation Trust attended.

She celebrated the unique qualities of St Mary’s and its recently restored wall memorials.

“It is important to have Friends groups like the Sandwich St Mary’s Community Trust who can find new uses for redundant churches to ensure their future,” she said.

Trust chairman John Bragg described how St Mary’s has developed as a community resource increasing in popularity as an atmospheric venue for public and private events since the installation of central heating, a lavatory, and kitchen space.

“An appeal to Friends in January raised more than £4000. It is intended to build on this in 2009 to carry out further developments that are part of the plan to make St Mary’s a top venue for the arts in East Kent, “ he said.

“Plans for 2009 include a production of Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde, a Shakespeare workshop for schools in association with the Globe Theatre and a charity Ghurka evening.

“A new sound system with over-stage microphones will enable St Mary’s to be used for speech and drama productions.”