Empty church to become restaurant

St John's has been empty for 20 years

A former church is to be converted into a restaurant after it was sold off by a diocese.

The grade II* listed St John's church, in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, has been sold to a consortium, Church Converts, by the Diocese of Lichfield.

The church has stood derelict for 20 years and the diocese had said it could seek a demolition order if a suitable use for it could not be found.

A diocesan spokesman said the building would be restored to its former glory.