ONE of Greenock's oldest and most historic churches will be opening its doors for worship once again. 

The Old West Kirk on the Esplanade, which is now owned by a local businessman, will now be used by one of the area's newest congregations - Inverclyde Vineyard Church.

It is run by joint pastors, married couple Don and Abi Thomas, who set up the church after moving here from Aberdeen.

For the first time in many years a special Christmas service took place in the building yesterday.

It was once home to a Church of Scotland parish, before the building was sold off a year ago to local man Marco Medinelli.

Pastor Don Thomas said: "It is a great privilege to be able to worship here in the Old West Kirk. It is such an important building and it is historical.

"We will be using the church hall and are glad we can use it for what it was intended. It is very special for us to be here and hold our services here."

The Old West Kirk was put up for sale by the Church of Scotland following the union of three local parishes: Ardgowan, Finnart St Paul's and the Old West Kirk, to form the Lyle Kirk.

A decision was taken by the new church to keep the former Ardgowan Church building in Union Street.

The Old West Kirk has historic significance as the first church in the country built after the Reformation.

It was also moved brick by brick from its original waterfront site to make way for industry and relocated to the present site, re-opening there in 1928.

The decision was made to 'release' the Old West Kirk as an active place of worship around 10 years on from the union to form Lyle Kirk.

Due to its historical and architectural importance many campaigners were desperate to make sure it was maintained in some way.

Last year Mr Medinelli, owner of the Esplanade Cafe, stepped in to buy the building to keep it in the community's hands.

Pastor Don said: "We think what Marco is doing with the church is great and we want to support him."

Up until now the Vineyard Church has been meeting in the Coppermine Community Centre in Gourock.

Abi said: "We are very much a community church and being here in the Old West Kirk is important to us."

The church is also being utilised by local creatives, including stained-glass window artist Alec Galloway for workshops.