FALLING membership and a hefty repair bill has led to the closure of another Pembrokeshire place of worship.

The 19th century Thorne Chapel was sold at auction on Thursday by Pembroke estate agent Guy Thomas and Son.

The £125,000 paid by Frances Howell, who lives at neighbouring Thorne House, exceeded the guide price of £110,000.

Thorne Chapel, which neighbours Castlemartin Range, was built in 1837. It was the first Nonconformist chapel in the area.

John James' family had worshipped there for many generations. His grandfather, also known as John James, was a deacon there.

Mr James, who lives at Mellaston, Hundleton, said it was inevitable that the chapel would close because it couldn't be supported by the present congregation. At one time membership exceeded 60.

"We were down to seven people and we didn't have a minister,'' said Mr James. "It was as expensive to run the chapel as one with a full membership, but we didn't have the income.''

Both of David Gwyther's grandfathers had been elders of the chapel. Between them they served the chapel for 110 years.

Mr Gwyther, the chapel's treasurer who lives at Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke, said another reason for the chapel's closure was the level of investment needed to conform to new health and safety and access laws.

The income from the sale will help support the Presbytery, which is struggling financially because of the millions of pounds it has to find to support retired ministers. John James admitted that he was sad to see the closure of a chapel which had linked generations of his family, but was philosophical. "It's the one Lord wherever you choose to worship,'' he said.