'Ghost village' church back to life

Tyneham Church was built in the 12th century

Former residents of a so-called "ghost village" on the south coast have held a carol service in their abandoned church, sixty years after they left it.

Tyneham near Lulworth, Dorset, was evacuated by the army in 1943 so the area could be used as a practice area for the D-Day landings.

Despite promises they could return after the war, the 225 residents were never allowed back.

The remaining residents and their families joined army officials and dignitaries for a carol service in the newly-refurbished 12th century church on Sunday.

The army commissioned a local artist to carry out the refurbishment, which included a display of photographs and quotes from former villagers.

The abandoned village of Tyneham is situated on the coast, within the army's Lulworth firing range.

Though mostly closed to the public, the village opens to walkers and sightseers at weekends and bank holidays.