The Reverend Matthew Stafford inside Holy Trinity Church, Wrockwardine Wood, Telford

Mr Stafford said the parish had been aiming for this goal for a decade and he was thrilled it was finally happening.

The church sold the land where its hall stands to fund the regeneration project.

Bromford Housing Group, which is building 11 affordable houses on the site, began demolition of the hall this week.

Mr Stafford said: “If the church is going to sell land, I want it to help people get a foot on the ladder.”

His aim is to bring people back by making the church the centre of the community.

Mr Stafford said he was hoping to start a toddler group and an after school club in the hope of making worship more accessible.

He added: “These groups show faith in action and action speaks louder than words.”

The organ is being dismantled after the Easter service on Sunday and stored with a removal company before being shipped out to a buyer in Italy.

Mr Stafford said: “Direct Removals have provided their service for us free of charge and I would like to say a big thank you to them.”

There will be a chance to buy the Victorian pews at the Easter Sunday service.

The 11am Sunday service will be held in Wrockwardine Wood Infants School, opposite the church, from April 11 until the refurbishment is completed.

By Holly Evans