A 148-year-old-church will re-open this week after more than a year of work to restore it to its former glory.

Holy Trinity Church in Wallington was built in 1867 to seat 530 people, and worshippers have brought to fruition their plans for the building dreamt up over two decades.

In 1990 plans were drawn up to restore the Grade 2 listed building to serve a 21st century community.

Building works began in 2014 including repairs to the flint wall and stained glass, replacing a section of the roof to its original design, cleaning the stonework, new flooring, introducing disabled access and landscaping the grounds.

Revd Stephen Coe said: "We are delighted with the work on the church which is now a stunning space for great events.

Church warden and project leader Anthony Reeves said: "It remains a beautiful historical local parish church which has served the community of Wallington for nearly 150 years and is now fit for service for the future."

Restoration cost about £1.7m, which was largely paid for through grants and fundraising efforts.

An opening ceremony will be held on Sunday at 10:30am with Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq, followed by a church service at which Chris Skilton, Archdeacon of Croydon, will give an address.

The church will be open to visitors from December 1 to 5, between 9am and 4pm, and will host a reception evening on December 3 from 7pm to 9pm. For more information visit htchurch.uk.