PLANS to convert an empty church into a health and fitness centre have won the support of historic building experts.

The Victorian Society has signalled its support of proposals to create the facility, in the disused St Luke's Church, in Sedgefield.

The Grade II-listed church, built in 1884, is all that remains of the former Winterton Psychiatric Hospital complex which has been replaced by a housing estate.

The Victorian Society, a national charity campaigning for the preservation of the historic environment, believes the conversion is the best chance of ensuring its future.

Spokesman Edward Kitchen said: "We maintain that historic buildings are best kept in their original use. But this is not always possible.

"The health and fitness centre will be an appropriate use for St Luke's, provided that it takes the building's architectural and historical interest into account.

"We want to see St Luke's used and enjoyed."

Businesswoman Chris Moore, who bought the building in 2004, has already secured planning permission for the development from Sedgefield Borough Council.

She now hopes that the society's backing will help her gain listed building consent, which interested parties are being consulted about, so she can complete the scheme.

The proposals include the construction of two mezzanine floors, a social area with a bar, a spa pool, steam room, gym, exercise studio, treatment rooms, changing facilities and office space.

Ms Moore said: "I think it is a wonderful building. I want to make the most out of all its existing features and want it to be a facility that is open to the community.

"I know people in the area are health and fitness conscious so I'm confident they'll use a facility within walking distance, and I've already got 12 people from the village lined up for the new jobs it will create.

"I've had amazing support from people in the village who want to see it back in use.

"Recently it has started to become unsightly because it has been vandalised, causing a disturbance to neighbours, and some of the gorgeous stained glass windows have been smashed.

"Hopefully the support of the Victorian Society will help progress matters."