Thame's former Methodist Church is to house a new fine arts gallery.

Tina Hadley Photography Ltd is opening this month with contemporary fine arts on the ground floor and the portrait photography business on a mezzanine floor. The Victorian building in Upper High Street has been used as a hairdressers, wedding shop and photographers since it closed as a church in the 1970s.

The Methodists merged with the Congregationalists 100 yards further along Upper High Street to form the United Reform Church, now Christchurch.

Bob Hadley said: "We will have some big names in the contemporary fine arts world exhibiting in the gallery.

"With 2,500 sq ft to play with, it gives space for a good display of exhibits and room for customers to move around and to meet the artists concerned.

"The gallery will be on the ground floor with more space and Tina's portrait photography business upstairs. It's an exciting venture."