A concert featuring jazz, pop and opera music will take place to help raise money for renovations to a Watford church.

Modernising plans for St Mary’s Church, due to cost £450,000, will see “comfortable seating” replacing the existing traditional pews, which were first installed in 1840.

New stone tiles will be laid on top of an under floor heating system, while the Grade I listed building, in St Mary’s Square, will also have new lighting and its interior redecorated.

Since the church launched its fundraising appeal last autumn, more than £170,000 has been pledged, and more than £130,000 collected.

This has meant the church has forged ahead with the first stage of its plans, to replace its boilers.

The new boilers will serve the church and church centre, keeping the congregation warmer and ensuring the historic building is environmentally friendly.

To further boost fundraising, a concert featuring a variety of genres, including rock and Christian music, will be held at the church next month.

Face2Face are a group of Christian professional musicians who perform across the country.

And they will play at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 7.

For tickets, telephone the church office on 01923 225189.