DRY rot has been found in a prominent town church just as repair work to its roof neared completion.

St Peter's Church in Darwen has been undergoing the work since May this year, and for the last six months, unsightly scaffolding has obscured its view.

The last of the scaffolding was removed last week but dry rot was discovered inside the church, and it's thought work to get rid of it could take until after Christmas.

Despite the small setback, Rev Canon Fleur Green said she was delighted the roof repairs had been finished and the scaffolding taken down.

She said: "It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm delighted people will be able to see the church again and its heritage will now be preserved for the future."

In May, the church was awarded £206,000 following an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and some of the money was used for the latest repair works, which were carried out in order to prevent leaks.

It is thought the remaining money will be used to update the church’s heritage section.