WORK is progressing on a major restoration project at a historic church.
An inspection of St John's in Bellerby, near Leyburn, five years ago found that urgent roof repairs were needed.
People in the parish have collected about £20,000 towards the project through fundraising events.
Grants from groups such as English Heritage made up the rest of the £52,000 needed.
Work on the project started last month and is due to be completed in August, when the roof will have been replaced, new guttering installed and lightning conductors added.
Yesterday, the stone orb from the top of the spire on the Grade II-listed church was replaced by the stonemasons.
Former churchwarden Lewis Peace said: "It has been a real community effort to raise the money.
"We have been using the chapel for our services since St John's closed, and we are very grateful. We work together and we have done really well between the two of us."
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