MEMBERS of a tiny religious community are breathing a collective sigh of relief as the final touches are put to a £20,000 refurbishment of their north Durham village church.

Worshippers at the Methodist church in the small village of Bradley Cottages, near Medomsley, have spent 18 months attending services in what was effectively a building site.

But now they are planning a celebration weekend as the final licks of paint are applied to the church which now has a new roof, kitchen and community hall, as well as modifications for disabled access.

"The final straw came when the roof was beginning to fall in," said church minister Jenny Gill.

"We only have 11 people on our committee and it took a lot of work to raise the cash to complete this. It's a real achievement."

The £20,000 was raised through other Methodist churches, the central Metho-dist church and charitable trust funds, as well as private donations and fundraising.

A celebration weekend is planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 15, 16 and 17, to mark the completion of the work. On the Friday there will be a fun night at the church, and on Saturday there will be a flower and harvest festival. On the Sunday there will be a family service.