MORE parking and a dedicated burial ground is now benefiting Madworthy Methodist Church, after the new additions were officially opened recently.

The introduction of a new car park and burial ground was thanks to the combination of two generous donations.

The church was first established in the 1800s with a gift of land by the Harry family of Madworthy Farm. By the early 1900s, the old building became too small for the growing congregation and another piece of land was given by Mrs Harry in order for a new church to be built, although this started to run out of car parking space.

Due to a trust set up by Heather Crouch, who attended Madworthy Church after moving to the area but died after a sudden illness, funds became available to build a new car park.

Land was gifted by Kath Brimacombe, great granddaughter of Edgar Harry, and her sons Richard and Andrew, in memory of her husband Robin, parents Agnes and Ernest Jewel and her grand parents Mark and Alice Balsdon, who were all strong supporters of the church.

These two donations have enabled the construction of a car park and burial ground.

The opening was performed by Launa Hutchings, who has been associated with the Harry family for many years and has been a long-time supporter of the church.

The Rev Nigel Coke-Woods dedicated the burial ground and blessed a plaque in memory of Kath's family and a bench to remember Heather Crouch.

Bob Balsdon, also a family member, spoke of the generous donation of Mrs Crouch, which enabled the extension to be completed.

The afternoon concluded with a concert given by the Hooper family and the Iddesleigh Singers, which was enjoyed by the attending crowd and ended with tea.

A collection was taken in aid of the Long House, North Devon Hospice, Holsworthy Appeal and the sum of £234 was raised.