REPAIR work has begun on Leigh Parish Church's 16th century tower.

Scaffolders began erecting steelwork last Monday on the town centre focal point and work is expected to be finished by the end of July.

A two-year fund raising appeal, launched with a world record breaking candle lighting ceremony by Leigh fire fighters in Leigh Market Hall, raised the £131,000 necessary to meet costs.

The main contractors are Skyline Ltd., of Oldham, who specialise in work on ancient buildings, and the main lead work will be done by Furlong and Davies of Colwyn Bay, who won the contract as a result of roofing work they completed at the church 20 years ago!

They will rectify problems caused by deterioration of the tower roof, gutters and a wrought iron bracing ring which corroded making the cornice stones unstable.

Renovation will involve the removal of the upper parapet stones, replacement of the ring with a stainless steel equivalent, re-roofing and renewing the gutter leadwork.

The project will be carried out under the supervision of the church's architect, Graham Holland Associates of Knutsford.

The Parochial Church Council, raised a total of £66,000 from many organised events -- including a tower abseil and concerts.

This was added to the £44,000 grant from English Heritage and the balance from grants from the Manchester diocese, Wigan Council and charities.

Tower Refurbishment Committee chairman George Bridge said: "We followed advice and deferred the work until now when the weather is better. We are delighted it is underway at last."