Somerset Levels flood-hit church reopens in Moorland Published duration 17 January 2016

image copyright Bath and Wells Diocese image caption The church service took place on Sunday

A church in Somerset which closed after being flooded two years ago reopened earlier with a special service.

St Peter and St John in Moorland was damaged in the winter of 2013-14 when large parts of the Somerset Levels flooded after heavy rainfall.

The Reverend Jane Haslam, who co-ordinated the repairs, said it had been a "long journey".

About 120 people attended the re-dedication service held by the Bishop of Taunton, Ruth Worsley.

'It was devastating'

During the winter floods of 2013-14, large parts of the Somerset Levels were flooded, causing widespread damage to homes and businesses.

Many people were evacuated from their homes, farmers were forced to relocate their livestock and crops were also ruined by the floodwater.

Moorland was one of the worst-affected villages, where some 80 homes were evacuated

Church secretary, Sue Sayer said: "It was covered in water, about two foot deep, it was devastating you couldn't see anything, all the gravestones were covered.

"It was horrendous, there was water damage all up the pews, everything's had to be stripped and put back."

The repairs also included replacing the church roof and repainting the walls.

image copyright Christopher Furlong/Getty Images image caption The church was closed for nearly two years