The completion of over £540,000 worth of building works at All Saints’ Church is to be marked by a service of thanksgiving attended by the Bishop of Colchester.

The work, mostly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, included substantial repairs to the tower – including replacing a rotten roof beam, re-leading the roof and repairing weathered stonework.

In addition, louvre and lattice repairs were carried out on the belfry, windows in the ringing chamber were re-leaded, rainwater drainage was improved and the flagpole and lightning conductor were upgraded.

Finally, a new north side extension has been added , providing an entrance lobby, kitchenette and accessible toilet, with better access to the north side of the churchyard – the largest in southern England.

“We are so grateful to National lottery players who made our dreams come true,” said a project spokesman from the Friends of All Saints’. “It’s allowed us to leave a solid legacy for all who will use the church in the future”.

Since the church re-opened in September, over 1000 people of all ages have taken part in activities and events connected to the building’s heritage. “Our project continues for another year,” added the spokesman, “as we are sharing the ancient heritage with many more of the local community in a carefully crafted programme of arts and crafts.”

The thanksgiving service takes place in All Saints’ on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm. All are welcome.