Historic Edithmead tin church repaired in time for Christmas

A historic tin church that had fallen into disrepair has been refurbished with the help of the community.

Edithmead Church, in Stoddens Lane, near Burnham-on-Sea, is known as "The Tin Church" and dates back to 1919.

The community helped to raise £11,000 to repair the old building's roof and repaint its exterior.

Church treasurer Maureen Phillips said: "People love the building because it's always been there for their whole lives. It's a familiar thing."

The small church holds about 40 people, Ms Phillips added.

"At Christmas it gets full to overflowing. We've had people queuing out the door."

The building was turned into a church in 1919 after being used as a school.

When the vicar of Burnham-on-Sea found out people in the village were holding services at an old railway carriage, he bought the building for £184.

Now, three weekly services are held in the church.

"The acoustics in here when you're singing are lovely and warm," Ms Phillips said.

"It's all fairly simple, everything we do here is simple."

The church had to close during the Covid-19 lockdown for 18 months.

It fell into disrepair and the church asked the community for support.

"Everyone who gave us money told us a story about it, telling us their parents had come here or they had their wedding here," Ms Phillips said.

A local builder repaired the roof and repainted the building.

"We hope it lasts for another 100 years," Ms Phillips said.