A TEESDALE church has been given a new lease of life thanks to the hard work of a group of parishioners.

The Friends of St Andrew’s Church was set up in 2011 when the 19th Century building, in Bolam, was faced with potential closure when the floor needed replacing.

However, a dedicated team of about six parishioners was determined to keep it open and went on to raise £10,000 to install a new stone floor.

Their efforts have carried on ever since with regular fundraisers held to make other improvements to the building.

Last year they were awarded £700 from the Teesdale Action Partnership and along with the help of several residents, raised about £5,000 for the latest works with everything from wine and cheese nights to garden parties.

Now they have been able to update the heating system as well as installing kitchen facilities and oak doors.

Group chairwoman, Roz Blacklock said the improvements had been welcomed by the small congregation, especially as winter is fast approaching.

"Although we have a small congregation, we are very well supported by the local community and have even had two new members join recently," she said. "We are immensely proud that the space is being used much more and is valued."

The popular church, which has more than 100 people attend its Christmas service, can be used by other community groups and is also the venue for parish meetings.

Churchwarden, Sue Boyle, said: "Even people in the village who don't come to church value the building."

Friends committee member, Kathy Pagella, added: "The church would have been closed by now, as so many across the country are we are just striving to make sure the building is used as much as it can be."

The Friends' next fundraiser will be a talk from Jane Ruffer entitled From There to Here, a story of the Ruffers' lives up to the arrival at Auckland Castle and the concept of Kynren.

It will be held in the church on Tuesday, October 17, at 7pm.

For tickets call Reverend Lissa Scott on 01325-312134, Mrs Boyle on 01388-835856 or Mrs Blacklock on 01388-835845.