THE candlelit carol service held at Morwellham just before Christmas may have been the last service at the chapel which is facing closure after almost two centuries of use.

Methodist Church authorities are currently consulting over the future of the 19th century chapel since it has largely fallen into disuse.

'The main people who supported the chapel have either died or moved away,' said Methodist superintendent minister for Tavistock, the Rev Graham Matthews. 'There is no one actively using it now.'

Mr Matthews said they would be talking to Morwellham Quay to see if they could take on the building and its maintenance

'It's a lovely little old chapel but it needs a lot of money spent on it,' he said.

Gary Emerson, director of the charity Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust which manages the historic river port, said the chapel had played an extremely important role in the community of Morwellham since it was built and they would be extremely sorry to see it go.

'We would prefer it to go on as a living, breathing chapel with a congregation using and maintaining it,' he said. 'However, we have always expressed an interest in the building and its on-going preservation, so we would certainly have an interest in its future.'

The service, held at the chapel on December 23, was taken by Mr Matthews and was well attended by people from the whole of the surrounding area.

Bere Alston's United Church vocal ensemble Tutti Voci led the singing, accompanied by Ann Parsons. After the carols and readings a collection was made for a local children's charity and the worshippers gathered for refreshments.