A CAMPAIGN to save a prominent feature of the Clitheroe skyline has received a £142,000 windfall.

The 20-metre-tall spire at Clitheroe’s St Mary Magdalene CE Church needs to be completely rebuilt leading church bosses to host fundraisers and apply for an English Heritage grant.

Now English Heritage have granted £142,000 towards the £250,000 project. The decision to save the spire, which dates from 1848, was made by the Parochial Church Council in March last year.

The previous year remedial work was carried out on the structure in Church Street to prevent any danger to the public and the historic building. However, following a survey by a structural engineer and a firm of steeplejacks, it was discovered the spire was only safe in the short term and needed further improvements.

Historic Buildings Architecht for English Heritage Tim Wilkins said: “It’s a Victorian spire and built with lots of ironwork. This is rusting and lifting the joints and causing fragments of stone to become dislodged.

“Repair work is really needed and will immensely benefit the spire.”

There has been a church on the site since at least 1122, when the building was granted to the Priory of St John in Pontefract.

The church, will be holding a series of events to raise the rest of the funds needed for the rebuild project. For more information or to donate to the cause contact 01200 422828, or e-mail andyfroud@gmail.com.