The rebuilding of the Royston church damaged by fire will take years' time.

A "nomadic" parish will use a local school for Easter services, while work continues to rebuild its church after a devastating fire.

St. John the Baptist Church in Royston, Hertfordshire, was built at the same time as Notre Dame Cathedral in the 13th century.

New images show how the fire – in December – destroyed much of the medieval roof and church steeple.

Reverend Heidi Huntley hopes the reopening will take place by Christmas 2020.

At its peak, 25 firefighters were called in to fight the fire that ravaged the interior woodwork, the roof and the tower when it burst on December 9th.

After an investigation, the police ruled out arson after fears that lead was stolen from the roof were unfounded.

Evaluation experts are now involved in the removal of benches and the crating of valuables to allow examination of the interior of the roof.

The 13th century building remains closed and surrounded by scaffolding.

The faithful are now meeting at a local school on Sunday, at City Hall on Saturday and at the Methodist Church on Wednesdays for activities.

Much of the repair work will be covered by insurance, with residents also raising more than £ 26,000 to help with the restoration.

Mrs. Huntley stated that the internal structure of the bell tower had been destroyed and that there was significant water damage and smoke.

The window panes had melted in the heat, she said.

Mrs. Huntley added that – like Notre Dame Cathedral, which caught fire on Monday – St John the Baptist was 850 years old.

"It has been a place of worship for centuries – you can feel the prayers on the walls, that sense of holiness," she said.

"People who do not even go to church regularly will appreciate the peace and quiet of these spaces, that's what makes them so special.

"This is a valuable resting place for the local community, but we also wish to bring it to the 21st century."