An Oxford church is throwing open its doors for the day - to scotch rumours that it was burned to the ground.

Temple Cowley United Reformed Church was the victim of an arson attack, which gutted two rooms of the building, on Christmas Day.

But although the church escaped structural damage - and has been given a thorough clean - rumours have abounded about its future.

Church secretary and treasurer Frances Thomas said: "Over the last few months we have heard all sorts of rumours that we were either closed or closing, that the fire burned us to the ground, or that our building was being demolished.

"We were quite concerned about this - especially as we are such a community building."

Now church staff have decided to hold an open day on Saturday, to show people the church is still well and truly in operation - and allowing them to meet some of the many groups operating from the building in Oxford Road.

Groups using the church include Bliss Divine Yoga, Tai Chi, Rainbows and Brownies, Cowley History Society, Jubilee Brass, Weightwatchers, the Oxford Parent Infant Project and the Oxford Play Association.

And in addition to the United Reformed Church congregation, it is also home to the Asian Christian Living Foundation - a Punjabi speaking Christian group.

Mrs Thomas said: "We will have traditional stalls, games for children, and a barbecue.

"All users will also be invited to have stalls.

"We want to get out the message we are very much in business and we have a very vibrant building.

"We are hoping that passers-by who thought we were closed will come in, have a nose around, and find out what we do."

The Rev Dick Wolff will be manning the barbecue. He said he was looking forward to meeting people who operate out of the church - as well as curious locals.

He said: "The trouble with a big church building is they can look a bit dead.

"But it is a community building and not a lot of people realise that.

"It could be more of a community hub than it is, and the more that people in the community think of it in that way, the better."

The event, which runs between 11am and 3pm, is free.