The Duchess of Cornwell officially opened a historic church after a major restoration in Malmesbury last week.

On Friday, December 14, The Duchess opened the newly restored Julia and Hans Rausing Building at a VIP event thanks to major donors and supporters.

The old and derelict Moravian church in Oxford Street has been converted into an extension of the Athelstan Museum.

It will act as a multi-purpose educational heritage, cultural and arts centre benefitting the museum and the town.

Thanks to the generous help of donors including more than 250 community groups, businesses and individuals together with grant funding has enabled Malmesbury’s Athelstan Museum to purchase the derelict building and complete the restoration.

Sharon Nolan, chair of the Athelstan Museum said: "As a team we are extremely proud we have restored a derelict building to its former glory, providing an added facility for the museum and a unique cultural, arts, and educational opportunity for the area.

“All of this couldn’t be done without the generous help of members and supporters.

“We are really pleased with the results, it is a splendid building.

“We have tried to keeps its integrity, but also tried to make it more modern and flexible.”

A commemorative book listing all donors and craftspeople is being compiled together with a donor board which will be on display in the building.