ONE of Durham City's historic landmarks is undergoing extensive refurbishment ensuring it will be in pristine condition in time for its 150th anniversary.

In the final phase of a major facelift of St Nicholas Church, the building's tower, which dominates the City's Market Place and surrounding area has been encased in scaffolding and netting.

The protective material has been put in place to allow the repointing of the towering spire.

The main body of the Church has already been repointed and the current upgrading work is expected to be completed by September or October of this year.

The ongoing project was commenced to secure the outer fabric of the Church, which flanks one side of the City's famous Market Place.

St Nicholas will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2008 and once the current work on the tower is finalised the building will be in fine shape to mark its historic milestone.