A CHURCH is to have running hot water for the first time in its history dating back more than 100 years.

The Rock Chapel on Bernard Road, Smithfield has taken delivery of a new boiler thanks to the efforts of church members, Wrexham Council and a contractor.

A few years ago the church closed before it was re-opened by Pastor Dave Rowlands and members, but it had always lacked a proper heating system.

This was something members were keen to change.

Church member Dorothy Mitchell said: "Rock Chapel was built in 1904 and carried on going until about five years ago when it closed, then Dave Rowlands opened it up and brought the building back into use.

"The drawback was that the heating in the building wasn't good enough and the church had never ever had any hot water, and with plans for community groups to be based there, we needed hot water in the building.

"We decided we had to do something about this so we contacted Wrexham Council about their community benefit scheme, which provides kitchens and building schools.

"They said they could provide a boiler for the church if we could find a registered gas person to fit it.

"With Clwyd Alyn building the new development nearby on Rivulet Road I approached them, and they put us on to their contractor ENGIE who would do it if we as church members found some of the money needed to pay for it, which we eventually did."

She added: "We've taken delivery of the boiler and it will be fitted by ENGIE plumbers on Monday.

"We have a mother and toddler group based here, a craft group, Bible studies, and we are hoping to expand the use of the building for other groups such as luncheon clubs.

"It will make a huge difference for everyone."