Vital repair work to safeguard the future of a Wharfedale church will start in spring, following a huge fundraising effort by villagers and parishioners.

Refurbishment to St Peter's Church building in Arthington, together with improvements to the boundary walls and churchyard, is due to start in March.

Well over £90,000 has been raised for the repairs, including £64,000 from English Heritage, £5,500 from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust and £12,500 from donations. The sale of 4,000 St Peter's Christmas cards also raised over £1,100.

A spokesman said: "This means we are able to start repairs as soon as warmer weather comes. Most of the repair work is external, hence the delay. But it is hoped that scaffolding will be erected in March, with repairs and renovation commencing in April.

"We started fundraising last March/April time and we're very pleased at the way things have gone."

It is thought that the final cost of the refurbishment will be between £100,000 and £110,000. The start of the renovations is likely to be marked with a special service or ceremony at which all friends and supporters will be welcome.

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