Walpole Old Chapel, near Halesworth, was owned by the Historic Chapels Trust (HCT), which rescued the building in 1994 from being sold at auction.

Friends of Walpole Old Chapel (FWOC) supported the trust in raising thousands to restore one of the oldest Nonconformist chapels in the county.

Now, with two walls completely restored, chapel ownership has passed from the trust to the friends group.

Simon Weeks, the secretary of FWOC, stood in the 17th century chapel (Image: Denise Bradley)

Simon Weeks, the secretary of FWOC, said: "We are so pleased that responsibility for taking care of this wonderful building has returned to the local community.

"Thank you to everyone for supporting the chapel by attending our summer events, volunteering as stewards to welcome visitors and becoming members of the Charity.

"Through your involvement with FWOC, we've been able to demonstrate the chapel's future is in safe hands."

The building was a risk due to large cracks in the exterior allowing water to seep into the timber frame, leading to vital repairs needed to save it.

Walpole Old Chapel was given various grants to repair large cracks in the external render (Image: Denise Bradley)

After 10 years in the making, the first £400,000 phase of restoration started last year.

The building was converted from a farmhouse and was first used as a congregational chapel in 1694 before it was extended in 1689 to provide a large space for worship.

Chris Smith, chairman of Historic Chapels Trust, said: "Walpole was one of the earliest chapels acquired by HCT soon after the charity was established, and it will be one of the last to be re-homed.

The restoration work was carried out by Cliveden Conservation (Image: Denise Bradley)

"We are pleased it has gone to The Friends, with whom we are sure it will have a bright future. We wish them and the chapel well."

The chapel now has three main functions, including a place of worship with weddings and baptisms, a heritage site, and a performance venue.

With the first phase of the restoration work now finished, the second phase of the work is planned to start in 2027.

© Eastern Daily Press