A TEAM of volunteers behind a host of projects designed to preserve an historic town church have celebrated their hard work.

The Friends of St Edmund’s, in Sedgefield, were this week praised for their “great enthusiasm, determination and success” at an annual meeting. Conservation initiatives, promotion and income-generating projects have in the last year helped lead to the completion of a major new lighting scheme, replastering and redecoration of the south transept and the west gable wall.

A start has also been made on replastering the north transept and the vestry passageway. Meanwhile the group’s website has been completely redesigned and updated.

Chairman Ron Eyley said: “The Friends of St Edmund’s have done very well in the past 12 months but the work we support is far from over and never will be if we are to ensure that St Edmund’s remains a beacon for generations to come.” The organisation works with the St Edmund’s Church council and the church’s Inspired Futures team to help maintain the fabric of the building and to grow the church by making its facilities more readily available for use by local community groups.

They also organise visits to places of interest for both members and non-members. There was special praise for secretary Alison Hodgson, treasurers Nigel and Lynda Clegg, membership secretary Brian Mutch, website designer Kevan Stevens and website administrator Christine Mutch for their hard work during the past year.

Co-secretary Sarah Britton was thanked for her work over the years after submitting her resignation.