A CHURCH-turned-art gallery is celebrating its opening with a star studded cast.

The coastal village of Eype, near Bridport, was faced with the closure of its 18th century church, because the once-a-month church service only attracted about a dozen worshippers.

But the project by Reverend Ray Shorthouse to turn the church into a centre for the arts and attract some high calibre names has brought it a new life.

He said: "This part of Dorset has all kinds of people who are involved in the arts on various levels.

"The centre brings new life and excitement to the place and will attract major names."

The church was saved through joint efforts of the community and a management committee, which includes antiques roadshow expert Paul Atterbury.

A festival has now been launched to celebrate the new lease of life for the church and to attract visitors to the art gallery, which is showing work of Royal Academy artists.

There will be concerts, readings and performances by such celebrities as Day of the Jackal star Edward Fox and Cleo Laine's daughter - jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth.

Jacqui, who also helped to launch the centre, can be seen on September 6 at 7.30pm and Edward Fox will read T S Eliot's The Four Quartets to Bach on September 13 at 7.30pm.

Antiques roadshow experts Hilary Kay, George Archdale and Paul Atterbury can be seen tomorrow at 7.30pm, when they will recall some of the roadshow's memorable moments.

Mr Shorthouse said: "This particular project is quite unique, my view is for it to provide the opportunity for people to enjoy it and have their imaginations opened.

"There is interest in the way that this could become and exhibition centre for artists all over the heritage coast. We are looking ahead to next year's events."

The festival will run until September 27, for more information and for tickets please call 01308 425707 or 426912.