THE restoration of a local church has hit a setback after the company carrying out the repairs went into administration.

Work on the parapets and an extension of the vestry at St Peter’s, Humshaugh, was being carried out by Team Force Restoration. But the Blyth-based builders ran into financial difficulties.

Despite the setback, the Rev. Steve Wilkinson, vicar of the Humshaugh Benefice, remained upbeat about the completion of the repairs.

He said: “We noticed that the builders had not turned up for a couple of days, and then we got told during the week that they had gone into administration.

“This has been 10 years in the planning, but we have a really good architect who is keeping us on track. It will be finished.”

A local builder has indicated that he may be willing to pick up where Team Force left off.

Volunteers will work to tidy the church for the festive period, and the repairs should finally be completed by February.

Rev. Wilkinson continued: “The people I feel very sorry for are the lads who have lost their jobs just before Christmas. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”