Work has started on major roof repairs to an historic Keighley church.

Guttering is being relined as part of the first phase of the long-awaited scheme at the Shared Church, in the town centre.

Future work will include re-pointing and the replacement of roofing felt.

The start of the project - to stop water seeping into the 19th-century building - has been made possible after a massive appeal raised over £100,000, including £56,600 in lottery funding.

But with the estimated £89,000 cost of the second phase still to be covered, fundraising will continue.

Priest in charge the Rev Peter Mott (pictured) said: "I am very pleased that work is now under way.

"The guttering on the south side of the building is being relined first, and the council has removed some overgrown bushes which has improved the floodlighting."

The church is to open to the public from 10am-6pm next Saturday as part of the Civic Trust's national Heritage Open Days. Over 2,000 properties around the country are taking part in the scheme. Others participating locally include Keighley Playhouse, in Devonshire Street. from 10am to 4pm.

At the church, the Rev Mott and former archivist Elizabeth Caissie will be on hand to talk to visitors about the building's history. Admission will be free, but donations are welcome.

There will be refreshments and a stall.

That day the church will also welcome cyclists taking part in the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust annual sponsored ride. Participants aim to call at as many of the region's churches as possible in a day.

l A concert at the Shared Church raised £330 for the roof appeal fund. The event featured the Holme Singers Ladies Choir, with guests Beverley Shuttleworth and the male voice choir from Shipley Musical Union.