Hundreds of people will benefit from the upgrade, with about 18 local organisations regularly using the building, its hall and associated facilities.

It has been more than 40 years since the church, on Middle Street North, was last refurbished but all that is set to change within the next 12 months when work is expected to get underway on installing a new lift, toilets, and improving disabled access at a cost of £140,000.

Stage two of the 10-year project will see the kitchen completely refurbished and moved, walls replaced with glass screens, the main staircase raised and a spacious "welcome area" created with seating for 80 people in a cafe style at a cost of more than £400,000.

The plans, drawn up by Beverley architect Jonathan Hobson, have been granted full planning permission by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Vicar of Driffield Methodist Church, the Rev Robert Amos, has described the project as a huge and exciting step forward aimed at opening up the church, improving access and bringing it into the 21st century.

Mr Amos said: "I'm very excited about it. It's very much about the future.

"There's a sense of forward thinking in the town and hopefully it will fit in with whatever happens with other developments in Driffield."

The church has strong links with Driffield Junior School and Kings Mill School who use the church for their big assemblies at certain times of the year such as Easter and Christmas.

"Our building is the biggest venue in Driffield, we can hold up to 500 people," Mr Amos said.

"This is about making it more accessible for the community to use."

Under the plans the concrete steps at the front of the building will be replaced with an access ramp, set to become a feature in its own right, meaning wheelchair users will no longer have to use a back entrance.

"In this day and age everyone should go in through the same entrance and go out through the same exit," Mr Amos said.

The outdated glazed panels at the front will be removed in favour of large sheets of plain glazing which, combined with the raising of the current staircase, will then give uninterrupted views from outside right through to the second floor pulpit.

Property secretary for Driffield Methodist Church Gordon Mountain said the aim of the renovation was to make the best use of such a large space .

He said: "It is a huge challenge for us at the church and we want to get the public on board and support the scheme."
Mr Mountain said it was hoped the project would be funded through grants, Methodist circuit funding and various fundraising events, with the ball already rolling.

The Middle 8 Music Group will perform popular songs from the 60s onwards, including some Christmas favourites, at the church tomorrow from 7.30pm.

Admission is £5 on the door.