A consultation event takes place today to gather public opinion on the future use of Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Parish Church, as its congregation gets set to merge with another.

The Auld Kirk, as it is also known, is located on Cockenzie High Street and services are held each Sunday.

However, the Church of Scotland has deemed the church building surplus to requirements following a review.

It is planned that the congregations at the Auld Kirk and nearby Chalmers Memorial Church merge in a "prospective union", with services held at Chalmers Church on Gosford Road.

The operators of nearby Cockenzie House and Gardens have expressed an interest in taking ownership of the Auld Kirk building on behalf of the community.

They are holding a public consultation meeting in the Auld Kirk Hall today, 3-6pm, to gauge public opinion and get the community involved in the future of the Auld Kirk.

Organisers want to know what would be the best potential uses for the building and how it could be financially sustainable, while also retaining its heritage.

A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: "Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Parish Church continues in Church of Scotland ownership until new ownership has been arranged.

"Church services are still taking place each Sunday and will continue to be held for the time being.

"There is currently no fixed timescale.

"The church and Chalmers Memorial Church congregations are working on coming together as a new congregation."