Parishioners at Keighley Shared Parish Church will be praying for a silent night this christmas after the completion of the new tower roof.

Roofing on the clock tower was ripped off by the gale- force winds which whipped across the region last Christ-mas Eve. The stormy weather ripped off copper sheathing at the top of the tower which fell into the clock tower and ringing chamber.

After months of fundraising the roof has now been replaced with a new lead covering. The work was carried out this autumn at a cost of £12,000 by local building contractors Walter Sharp and Sons.

The Rev Michael Hardy says it was essential the work was completed before the onset of the heavier winter weather.

With the new lead structure in place, the clock tower roof should be weather-proof for the next 100 years.

One last essential item which still needs adding to the roof is a lightning conductor.

Fundraising events including a sponsored organ recital have raised more than £4000 towards the cost of the repairs.

The church is continuing with its fundraising efforts and is also receiving money from the Wishing Well appeal. Now the structural work has been carried out the church can turn its attention to work on the interior of the building.

The Rev Hardy says the next job which needs attending to is repairs to the church's stained glass windows.

Church members would also like to make interesting features of the church - such as the font cover - more accessible to the public.

It has been an important year for St Andrew's, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in July.

Choral eucharist with The Myrtle Singers will take place this Sunday at 9.30am, and will include congregational hymns as well as a choral setting of the holy communion service and motets by the singers.

A retiring collection will also be taken for the Myrtle Singers funds.

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