PARISHIONERS' prayers for a safe church have been answered after years of fundraising and campaigning in a small Wharfedale

village.

Several years ago, St Peter's Parish Church in Arthington was found to have serious

structural faults.

A survey showed that rain water had caused substantial damage to the structure, particularly the pointing of the tower, and threatened to affect the internal fabric.

An appeal, called Save Arthington Church, was launched to raise the £120,000 needed to repair it.

A successful English Heritage grant raised £64,000 towards the appeal in 1997 and the grant was recently increased when the costs went up

But this week Rev Frank Snow, who serves St Peter's and the Pool-in-Wharfedale area, revealed that the scaffolding around the landmark tower had come down and that the work was completed.

In a written statement he said: "Residents of Arthington as well as passing motorists will be delighted to see that the scaffolding surrounding the church tower is finally down and apart from minor cleaning up operations, the work is now completed.

"We remain very grateful for all the gifts which made this extensive work possible, and we trust that the church is now good for the next 100 years."

Support also came from a number of trusts and more than 60 individuals.

Church warden Selwyn Pennington added: "A lot of money has been spent but you cannot see a lot of it, because it has gone on

structural improvements."

Mr Pennington said improvements to the steeple and tower, a new roof to the organ loft and new gulleys were just some of the improvements.

Although Mr Pennington and the

parishioners can rest easy after their

exhaustive fundraising efforts, the church warden said he expects that a new appeal to replace the church rood may be necessary in a few years time.

Mr Snow added: "Our grateful thanks also go to those who arranged for a brand new noticeboard to be erected beside the main entrance to the church. This greatly enhances the approach to the church."

l St Peter's, which dates back to 1864, is a fine example of Victorian architecture and was built by the Sheepshanks family.

The family's descendants still live at nearby Arthington Hall.

The church was designed by Victorian architect George Gilbert Smith and is now a grade II listed building.

It is renowned for its fine stained glass

windows.