RENOVATION work on Edenfield Parish Church has started, thanks to a £6,000 grant from a local environment company.

The Georgian church will have a smart look for the Millennium and repairs to the clock will restore time to the local community.

The grant, from Pilsworth Environmental Company, is the largest single donation the church has received for the restoration programme.

It has been added to donations from trusts, charities and local groups and monies raised by the parishioners.

The lychgate and church grounds will be refurnished and exterior painting of the church is under way. The building dates from 1778 and is the third or fourth building on the site, which dates back to 1540.

The church clock, installed in 1927, has not worked for about a year. Its cogs and pulleys have now been removed for cleaning and repairs.

PEC uses cash from the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme to benefit the local community. The 'green grant' is funded by Terry Adams Ltd, part of the Haul Waste Group, which runs a combined quarry and landfill operation at Pilsworth, Bury.

Director Elaine Shirt, commented: "It is an important local historical landmark and we are pleased to assist with its upkeep.''

The Rev Gerald Higham said he expected external painting and repairs to be completed very soon as the first stage of a £30,000 scheme.

The clock tower, nicknamed the 'leaning tower of Edenfield' is structurally sound but has remained silent for some years for fear that the swinging of the heavy bells could cause damage.

It has been discovered that the peal of the Westminster Chimes is activated more gently by a keyboard and, following renovation, this feature may be used on special occasions.

Other work at the church will include extending the Garden of Remembrance.

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