A TYNEDALE church hit by a delay to a renovation scheme has received a funding boost.

St Wilfrid’s Church plays a vital part in keeping the faith community alive and together in Haltwhistle.

However, essential repair work which started in 2016 was not completed after the priest retired, with the bell tower and steeple are still in need of renovation.

Damage to the louvres has allowed birds to gain access, which has caused a great deal of noise, as well as nesting material which blocked the entrance to the bell tower.

However the church received around £5,950 in donations from the Northumbria Historic Churches Trust and Allchurches Trust Limited.

Sue Moorhouse from the church committee said: “The parishioners of St Wilfrid’s would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported the project and hope you will continue to enjoy more fund-raising events.

“Hopefully work will be completed before nesting season begins again.

“The charity, Northumbria Historic Churches Trust, supports the conservation of churches of historic or architectural value throughout the North East, providing small grants towards the cost of repairs.

“The Allchurches Trust Limited is one of the UK’s largest grant-making charities for churches and charities and communities.”