A 170-year-old Methodist church, which has only four worshippers, is to be sold as it is proving too expensive to run.

Cheriton Cross Methodist Church, which is to close later this year, is currently used by the four worshippers, Cheriton Bishop Parish Council and other organisations.

The Rev David Easton reassured residents of Cheriton Bishop that there were other churches for them to use, as a means of worship and for meetings.

He said: 'We will be looking to sell the church later on because there are only four regular worshippers and it's too costly and expensive to keep it going.

'There are other churches in Crockernwell and Tedburn St Mary, which are only one to two miles away, who have a larger group of worshippers.

'There is also a parish in Cheriton Bishop, with whom the Methodist Church has a very good relationship.'

Chairman of Cheriton Bishop Parish Council Anne Welham said the council also uses the church to hold its monthly meetings.

She said: 'We were upset to learn the Methodist Church was going to close.

'It was a nice, small building for us to hold our meetings in, but it was also big enough for the public to come and join us, too.

'It won't just affect us and the worshippers, other people also use the church as a place to meet.

'It's a shame, it's a lovely old building, but it's just not viable.'

Mrs Welham said the parish council will now have to find another building to hold its meetings: 'We will probably go to Spalding Hall, which was donated by Lady Spalding many years ago.

'Nothing is set in stone yet, but the closing of the church will affect all those who use it.'

Cheriton Cross Methodist Church is currently still open and will hold a carol service at Christmas. The church is set to close on Sunday, November 22.