A CHURCH window, which has been restored in memory of a former curate and solicitor, will be dedicated this month.

Charles Michael Wilson was a former curate at St James' Church, Albert Hill, Darlington, and hailed from Teesside.

He was also known as a racehorse owner and solicitor with Darlington firm Latimer Hinks, specialising in civil litigation.

He died in 1998, aged 59, from cancer.

The church and its community have raised £24,500 to restore the window in the building's southern transept, and former Bishop of Beverley, Yorkshire, John Gaisford will conduct a special Mass for the dedication.

The service will take place at St James' at 10am on Sunday, November 26.

The tinted window has been completely restored, with stonework done and the coloured glass put in place.

Father Ian Grieves said Mr Wilson was a popular and well-known man.

"He had lots of interests in Darlington life," he said.