A CHURCH is being updated for the 21st century as archaeologists prepare to dig into its ancient past.

Renovation work at St Sampson's in Cricklade will bring new facilities such as toilets suitable for people with disabilities, a small kitchen and space for choir or concert performances.

The work means a trench will be dug so that a drain can be connected to the main sewage works.

But before this connection takes place, a team of archaeologists will excavate the site to see what lies beneath. The church, which is one of the oldest in the area, is believed to have been built on the site of a Saxon minster. It was originally built in the 13th century and has been added to over the years.

Stonework from that period is visible in the present building.

A Roman sacrificial altar, which was discovered on the site during restoration work in Victorian times, has also been incorporated into the building. The graveyard has been closed since 1897.

John Hickman, one of the church wardens, said the archaeologists were likely to be on site in two weeks.

He added: "There is a possibility of finding Saxon and Roman items under the church. Local historians say that the site has been a burial ground for more than 1,000 years and that 30,000 bodies have been buried there over that time."

The Grade I listed building was described as "the glory of North Wiltshire" in the book England's Thousand Best Churches, written by historian and journalist Simon Jenkins.

Building work on the South Aisle project, which will improve community facilities, started this week.

"We are hoping that the renovation will make it a more comfortable place for people to use. At the moment, some people may be put off by the lack of modern facilities," Mr Hickman said. "We want to attract people from the wider community who may not go to church but would be interested in using it as a venue to host exhibitions and concerts."

The renovations are costing £60,000 £40,000 of which was donated by Hills Waste through the landfill tax credit scheme and £6,500 raised through fundraising.

The project needs another £25,000 and any donations will be welcome.

Vandals have smashed historic windows at the church this week, causing £10,000 worth of damage.

Two lead-paned windows, thought to be 150 years old, were destroyed in a series of attacks, one of which took place on Easter Sunday.

Mr Hickman said: "A lot of people simply can't believe someone could damage the essence of Cricklade."

The police are investigating and any witnesses are asked to call officers on 01793 750207.If you would like to make a donation to the south aisle project call Katy Bell on 01793 751790.