A CHURCH undergoing a big revamp has revealed record fundraising receipts.

St James the Great Church, in Albert Hill, Darlington, is celebrating its 125th anniversary in August and is in the midst of the biggest restoration programme in its history.

Last year parishioners raised a record £27,902 through charity events to fund the work.

The figure is revealed in the church's financial report for 2000, which has just been published.

Several grants were received during the year from organisations. The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust gave £7,500 towards repairs to the gable ends at the church and the restoration of the south transept window.

Work has continued apace on the church with about £150,000 already having been spent.

A further £50,000 is being spent this year on more improvements to the building, built in 1876.

Later in the year a series of masses will take place to celebrate the anniversary and an exhibition of memorabilia is also planned.