RENOVATION works are nearing completion at a Grade II listed church building in Radcliffe despite a £7,000 setback.

The chancel inside St Andrew's Church is being redecorated and new lettering — sponsored by members of the public — is being installed across the archway.

Initially £10,000 of work was scheduled to be carried out but an additional £7,000 had to be spent after asbestos was discovered.

Rev Joanna McKee said: "It was in bad repair.

"Parts of the chancel were damaged due to a leak from a water tank that had to be removed in the 1980s.

"We are putting in a new platform at the front of the church and completely redecorating the chancel."

Medway Heating, based in Astley Bridge, is carrying out the work at a reduced price of just over £10,000.

New lettering will also be installed over the archway which leads to the chancel, using specialist materials.

The letters, which read 'This is none other than the house of God, this is the gate to heaven', have been sponsored by businesses, members of the community, families and individuals.

The 100-strong congregation has helped fund the programme of work that has been undertaken.

Rev McKee said: "The scaffolding is due to come down on Friday, June 1 so we will be able to see the letters in their full glory.

"The community love the church, it is like a second home.

"This whole project has been like taking the opportunity to redecorate your living room."

The congregation hopes the building will facilitate school assemblies, concerts, end-of-term assemblies and other functions when the work is complete.

Rev McKee thanked Medway for carrying out the work, and the Diocese of Manchester for granting permission for the redecoration to go ahead.

St Andrew's is holding a pre-loved sale in its car park on Saturday, June 9, and has invited residents to get involved by booking their own car boot stall for £15.

The event will raise funds for the church's work in nearby St Andrew's C of E and Gorsefield Primary Schools, and its own youth group.

The car boot will be held between 11am and 1pm, with refreshments available.