One of East Lancashire's most historic churches is finally fully protected from the elements.

Work has been completed on the final stage of refurbishing the roof at St James CE Church in Altham, which dates back to 1512.

A series of grants and fundraising hard work has secured the future of the Hyndburn landmark, which was built just three years after King Henry VIII ascended to the throne.

Rev Tony Webber, Vicar of St James, said: "The members of the Parochial Church Council took a massive leap of faith in deciding to go ahead with the final phase of the re-roofing project without knowing whether any further financial help would be forthcoming.

"But we now know that that faith was completely justified thanks to the generosity of funders and parishioners.

“And that’s not all – a person who wishes to remain anonymous only last week donated £5,000.

"A truly remarkable end to a period of great uncertainty and one which means that this ancient place of worship can continue to be a haven of peace, tranquillity and holiness for many more years to come.”

Church leaders say the latest work involved repairing the roofs of the north aisle and the porch.

Funding was received from the Benefact Trust (£3,250), the Garfield Weston Foundation (£6,000), the Jessica Lofthouse Endowment (£10,317), the National Churches Trust in association with the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£10,000) and in association with the Wolfson Foundation (£10,000) and the Headley Trust (£7,000).

Parish fundraising took place through inviting churchgoers to sponsor a tile and staging two sell-out concerts given by Haslingden Concert Band.

The church first launched a renovation programme in 2016 when the nave roof was repaired.

This was followed in 2019 by the chancel roof and in 2020 the south aisle roof.

Then aid was received from the Government Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund in 2016 and the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2019.