A WAIT of more than 700 years for a cup of tea at a church near Cirencester has finally come to an end.

The newly-built £24,000 kitchen and lavatory at St Mary’s church in Meysey Hampton was officially opened on Saturday during a service of thanksgiving.

Olivia Marsh, the grand-daughter of the late Valerie Marsh a parishioner whose donation in 2011 kick-started the project, opened the kitchen along with the Venerable Robert Springett, the Archdeacon of Cheltenham.

The facilities were also funded by parishioners, proceeds raised at the village fete earlier this year and contributions from local charities.

The Hills Group Ltd grant, which covered almost half the total cost, was made available through the Landfill Communities Fund.