A RUN-DOWN church will be transformed into a community centre for a Gwent community after local people netted £200,000 for their plans.

Residents in Wainfelin formed a registered charity group in a bid to attract funding.

Backed by Torfaen council's local member, Councillor Yvonne Warren the group, called Wainfelin Area Regeneration Project(WARP), set up and office and began work on a raft of projects including the restoration of St John's Church.

As well as continuing to offer services, the church will soon provide training, education, IT skills and social enterprise opportunities.

Some of the cash will finance initial refurbishment works. It has also financed an office for WARP.

Other projects in the mix include a healthy eating initiative for local schools and a newsletter for the local community.

Local resident and treasurer of WARP, Arthur Crane, said it was an "exciting time" for the community.

"This is not pie in the sky - this is really happening thanks to the hard work of fellow WARP members, including Yvonne Warren.

"We're grateful to all the committee for their efforts."

The cash has come from the Rural Key Fund, the Lottery, Coalfields Generation Trust, as well as Pontypool Community council and the Welsh Church Fund.