TAVISTOCK Methodist Circuit is applying for planning permission to convert two West Devon churches into holiday lets at Sydenham Damerel and Zoar near Mary Tavy.

A spokesman for the circuit said the churches were closed recently because of elderly and declining congregations.

Graham Shillabeer, who is the property secretary for the Tavistock Methodist Circuit, said congregations were too small to make the churches self-supporting.

'At Sydenham Damerel there were about 10 to 12 people who came along to the Sunday service,' he said. 'That is really too small to make it self-supporting.

'The church has been used by other groups but not widely and not enough to keep it going. At the end of the day someone has to pay for the building and maintenance.

'We now have a redundant building to deal with in an appropriate manner but at the same time we are working with the congregation to see where they might otherwise attend.'

Mr Shillabeer said none of the congregation at Sydenham Damerel were from the village and had to drive to attend so it was not well used by the community itself and relocating the members would not be such a problem.