An Isle of Wight place of worship and community hub is welcoming the community back after a major refurbishment - and we've had a good look around.

Newport Minster reopened it doors in May, with the church welcoming 3,000 visitors in its first three months. Take a look yourself, at an open day today.

The church's £2.6 million pound refurbishment includes underfloor heating, accessible toilets and a cafe.

Newport Minster has been standing since 1857, when the foundation stone was laid by Prince Albert.

The interior of Newport MinsterThe interior of Newport Minster (Image: IWCP)

It is believed that churches have existed on the plot of land since the 12th century, when the first charter was given to Newport.

It's newest iteration sees light flood into the building, with a brighter interior making the stained glass windows stand out and the building's relationship with light change.

The new features have been crafted by local tradespeople, and the congregation were invited to choose the chairs to replace the pews.

Edward HorseyEdward Horsey (Image: IWCP)

Existing features of the minster have been cleaned up, including memorials to Edward Horsey and Princess Elizabeth, overlooked by two stained glass windows commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The royal couple commissioned the windows to ensure that the morning sunlight fell softly on the princess' face. 

The stained glass windows overlooking Princess ElizabethThe stained glass windows overlooking Princess Elizabeth (Image: IWCP)

The minster's silver is also on display, having survived the English Civil War.

The minster's silver, which is believed to have been hidden during the English Civil WarThe minster's silver, which is believed to have been hidden during the English Civil War (Image: IWCP)

Princess ElizabethPrincess Elizabeth (Image: IWCP)

Original features include the font, that returned to the minster after a hiatus as a bird bath in a Newport garden.

The East stained glass windowThe East stained glass window (Image: IWCP)

The pulpit, corporation pews and vicar's reading desk have all been maintained.

The minster also has an extensive cultural programme coming up, including Newport Heritage Day, a male Welsh voice choir, a concert by G4, and the IW Jazz Weekend.

These events will be running alongside regular services, with a new rector starting on September 15.

A time capsule was rehidden in the minster last October, featuring a copy of the County Press.

Hannah Griffiths, community engagement coordinator for Newport Minster, said: "We're going to try everything and see what people like.

"It's the community of Newport who decides what goes on here."

Hannah first worked on the Island for the National Trust at the Needles after seeing an advert for the job in the County Press.

Originally from Bolton, her dad had a paper subscription delivered to their house to keep up with Island football fixtures.