UNFORESEEN complications in a million pound project to revamp St Mary's Church mean the opening date has been put back another month.

The iconic church was due to re-open on Saturday in time for a choral society concert but during the work one of the underground vaults collapsed, damaging a number of Victorian tiles.

Church warden Adrian Patten said the unexpected delay means the church is now most likely to re-open at the start of June - but even then it won't be completely finished.

"The damage has meant we have had to bring back in the archaeologists and it has left us short of the Victorian tiles," he said.

"The contractors will lay as many as they can and use temporary measures to complete the work until further Victorian tiles can be brought in, which takes roughly six weeks."

Mr Patten said the delay was a blow but accepted it was part of the nature of working on old building which has fragile materials.

"But the good news is that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. The work that has been done looks stunning and will look even better once we have removed all the clutter that is currently in the church while the building work takes place," he said.

"I really think it will be something Bridgwater will be proud of. There is a wedding booked here for Saturday, June 17 and I have been assured everything will be ready for that!"

Mr Patten said the church had raised a total of £17,000 through its fundraising appeal and was still waiting to hear back on a number of grant applications.

"Those who sponsored a tile had their names engraved on the underside and those tiles have now all been laid. But there is still the option for those interested to purchase a chair which can have a plaque on the back for £200."