VIRTUOSO guitar player Jon Gomm is to perform at St Mary's Church, Devizes, as supporters of the church get ready to make improvements to the building.

St Mary's Trust were disappointed last year when a planning inspector turned down plans to turn the church into a performance centre.

But they are determined to carry on bringing live entertainment to the building and have an interim plan to make internal changes including new seating and heating.

Trust member Dave Buxton said: "While a new approach to creating an extension to the building is being planned the church’s future group want to make the space more comfortable for the presentation of events and activities. Jon is our first booking for this year but we hope to have one a month for the rest of the year."

It is expected the first stage of the work will start later this year.

Mr Gomm will play at the church on March 21 at 8pm as part of a UK tour following on from a successful tour of Germany. The event has been organised by St Mary's Trust and Sheer Music.

Mr Gomm is known for his distinctive playing style which involves poly-rhythmic finger tapping and plucking. He played at Devizes Festival a few years ago and was at a charity event with Newton Faulkner at Avebury last year.

He will be supported by fellow guitarist Jimmy Moore who lives in Wiltshire.

Mr Gomm has many followers on Youtube and his videos usually receive more than 100,000 views.

Tickets are available from Devizes Books or online at www.wegottickets.com. They cost £10 in advance and £13 on the door.