A VACANT grade II listed church in the heart of Pontypool has been put up for auction.

Ten years after being bought by Reverend Victor Owens for religious use, Mount Pleasant Church is again up for sale.

Former Gwent police constable Rev Owens, and his wife, Liz, currently spend a large amount of time doing religious work in South America, and have decided to sell the site.

It was put up for auction last week by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions - with a guide price of £75,000.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The church was holding tea mornings and services until a few weeks ago. With the Owens now spending a large amount of time abroad, it was thought best to sell.

“We are getting quite a bit of interest and it could be ideal for a range of uses as a music or drama centre, for commercial use or even a potential conversion to residential use.”

Built in 1904 with room for more than 560 people, it was a popular venue until the Reform Church stopped using it in 2003.

After buying it in 2006, ex-pastor in the charismatic movement Rev Owens spent two years refurbishing the site.

Mr Roper also confirmed that they church has been well maintained and is in impressive condition with the altar, stage, organ, pews and stained glass windows.

It is set to go up for auction at 5pm on Friday June 17, at The Park Inn Hotel, on Circle Way East in Cardiff.