THE glorious sound of brass ended days of jubilant celebrations on a high note and helped raise thousands of pounds for much needed church repairs.

On Saturday parishioners packed the pews at St Laurence’s Church in Frodsham as the world famous Foden’s Brass Band put on a sell-out concert, raising more than £2,500 for urgent repairs to save the 12th century sandstone landmark.

Every penny raised went towards the £220,000 needed to repair the grade I-listed building after Frodsham resident and vice president of the band Chris Finnigan generously forked out a four-figure sum to sponsor the concert.

And down the road at St Paul’s Church in Helsby the village brought a week of fun-filled and creative festivities to an glorious end as the Band of the Cheshire Constabulary entertained audiences with a packed programme of music and entertainment which brought the roof down.

The concert, which saw the band joined by their Corps of Drums, brought to the end four days of fundraising activities at the church which raised more than £4,000 to go toward new unisex and disabled toilets in the Church Hall.

The Rev Margaret Saville said parishioners had commented on the beautiful flower displays and arts and crafts, which were carefully arranged to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics by residents, parishioners and the Frodsham District Flower Club.

And over the four days the church hosted a beautiful display of local artwork, showcasing residents’ special memories of births, christenings, weddings and anniversaries as the villagers celebrated their Precious Moments.

After a week of giant parades, community spirit and a spectacular beacon lighting ceremony, the celebrations were brought to a close with a reflective Jubilee service on Sunday.

Speaking about the celebrations, the Rev Saville said: “Everyone worked really hard to make the celebrations a success and all the hard work paid off.

“At the moment it is getting very difficult to keep the expenses for running the church down. We raised a lot of money and everyone had a really good time, which was lovely to see.”

On Monday villagers celebrated as a dedicated and hardworking teenager was named the Diamond in the Community after years of volunteering and helping youngsters in Helsby.

James Campbell, 17, was handed a special award by chairman of Helsby Parish Council Terry O’Neill for his years of dedication to local Scout and Beaver groups as well as volunteering at Heath Cliff Home and as a referee at Helsby Rugby Club.

And to add to the village’s Jubilee pride, children playing in Helsby Hillside Crown Green bowling team won the Jubilee Day bowling competition against Horn’s Mill School.