COMMUNITY groups are invited to an event championing people who contribute to village life.

Freeland Community Benefit Society (FCBS) is inviting businesses, organisations, clubs and people who 'make, bake, sell or run' initiatives in the village to Freeland Village Hall tomorrow.

The free event includes a barbecue, a vintage motorcycle display and children's activities.

It runs from midday to 4pm and any donations will go towards the Freeland Village Hub project, which aims to turn the village's methodist church into a community venue, with a shop and cafe.

Read also: Plans to turn church into house are refused

The building, on Wroslyn Road, closed in April 2017 and there are fears it could deteriorate if left unused.

In February 2018, the FCBS received planning permission to turn the church into a shop, cafe and ‘non-residential institution’.

Meanwhile, in May this year, councillors refused proposals for a change of use to a dwelling on behalf of the venue’s owner, The Witney and Faringdon Methodist Circuit.

It came as Stagecoach cancelled its number 11 bus service, which went through Freeland.

CBS committee member Jane Duff said: "[The hub] would provide a valuable venue for socialising, alleviating social isolation which is on the increase."