AN ANCIENT church is about to reopen its doors after more than £350,000 was spent on essential repairs.
The work at St Mary’s Church in Thornton-le-Moors, has been carried out by the Churches Conservation Trust, the country’s largest owner of churches no longer used for regular worship.
St Mary’s, which has been loved and cared for by generations of villagers, will officially re-open its doors as part of Heritage Open Weekend at noon on Saturday, September 11.
The striking red sandstone church was closed for a number of years until it was vested in the care of the trust in July 2009 which set to work replacing the leaking slates, repairing the tower and overhauling the lighting and electrics.
During the open day there will be informal guided tours with the architect and the main contractors on hand. There will be a bell ringing display and a short service of celebration at 4pm.
The Churches Conservation Trust is keen to see the church used for a variety of community events; their churches are regular venues for concerts and exhibitions all over the country.
Former churchwarden Margaret Platt, who was christened at the church and married there, was devastated when it closed in 1999.
Mrs Platt, 74, who lives in nearby Church Farm, said: “It’s not for services, it’s a heritage thing but it’s wonderful to have it done up.”
The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Historians believe the shaft of a Celtic cross found within the churchyard is evidence the original building may date back to Anglo Saxon Britain 1,000 years ago.
