VILLAGERS hoping to enjoy Christmas at their new church are disappointed it will not be finished in time.

The new church of St Mary's, built at the top of Glory Mill Lane in Wooburn Green, was scheduled to open for the first time to celebrate a Family Crib Service on Christmas Eve.

But following bad weather and building complications it will not be ready until mid-January.

The Rev Derek Burden said: "We are all very disappointed. It was so near to being ready and we thought it would be a nice Christmas present."

The building was delayed by weather and fuel shortages in recent months but it is hoped it will be ready for its dedication by the Bishop of Buckingham on January 16.

Mr Burden, who is also the vicar for St Paul's in Wooburn Green, explained: "The plasterers have been unable to finish so the flooring cannot be put down. The building is complete; it is just the inside."

The new church includes a bell tower which houses the bell from the original St Mary's Church on Boundary Road, which was built in 1903 but has since been demolished.

The new church will be run by Mr Burden, with the help of the Rev Rosemary Payne.