Work is to start within weeks on major roof repairs to an historic Keighley church.

The Shared Church - in the town centre - has received the go-ahead for phase one of the long-awaited scheme, which should be complete within 12 weeks.

Over £100,000 has been raised, including £56,600 in lottery funding. The work - to stop water seeping into the 19th-century building - will include re-pointing, relining of guttering and the replacement of roofing felt.

Priest in charge the Rev Peter Mott is delighted that the desperately needed repairs can now be carried out, but he warns that there is still a considerable way to go and that fundraising will continue.

The £89,000 needed for the second phase of the project, plus funds for re-decorating, is still to be found.

"We have had to go through a very bureaucratic process to get the necessary permissions, but we have at last negotiated all the hoops and work on the first phase should start in the first or second week of August," said Mr Mott.

"We did not want to have another winter with damp coming into the church.

"However, we are only part way towards our ultimate target and I would urge people to continue to give their support.

"If anything, fundraising will get harder because we have already used a lot of grant aid sources which we will not be able to go back to."

The next fundraising event is a concert at the church tomorrow evening, featuring the Holme Singers and Shipley Male Voice Choir. Guest soloist will be Beverley Shuttleworth. Tickets for the 7.30pm event will be available, priced £3.50, at the door. Refreshments will be served.