VILLAGERS are to gather at their much-loved north Lancashire church this weekend to celebrate the completion of a major community project.

Holy Trinity Church at Bolton-le-Sands has a new roof, a welcoming new porch and its medieval stone relics are fully displayed for the first time, thanks to more than £50,000 raised by locals and £214,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as several charities.

To thank everyone who helped, the church is hosting a celebration afternoon this Saturday (September 30) from 2pm to 4.30pm, and everyone is invited.

"So many people have contributed to the work that has been done on the church and this is a thank you to everybody who has taken part," said Rev Nancy Goodrich.

"It's the fruition of a long, hard slog to get to this point and also it's a thanksgiving. It has secured the church for future generations and that's what people wanted. They know they are part of this long story that goes back into the past and will go on to the future, and this is our little bit."

The vicar said the church was "at the heart of community life", telling the Gazette: "People see it as the place that matters for all the big stuff of their lives. It matters to generations of people in this community."

The church's Raise the Roof, Open the Door appeal began four years ago after thieves stole lead from the roof, revealing rotten timbers. As well as repairing the leaky roof and replacing the lead with stainless steel, the project has also seen access improved for disabled people, with electric glass doors installed to make the church entrance more welcoming. A new history of the Grade II-listed place of worship has also been produced.

Saturday's celebration will include refreshments, singing from the choir, a performance by children from Bolton-le-Sands Primary School, bell ringing, a flower festival and photographs of the project, as well as a presentation on the history of the church and village.

Holy Trinity's tower, pillars and arches are thought to date from the 15th century, and worshippers have gathered at the site since 1094.