ST CUTHBERT’S Church is throwing open its doors to celebrate 150-years since a renovation that saved its spire and to let residents learn more about ongoing repairs.

The Darlington church is one of many across the borough taking part Heritage Open Days over the weekend of September 12.

The heritage celebrations are extra special for St Cuthbert’s as this year marks the 150th anniversary of a major restoration project by renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott which saved the spire from collapse.

As well as looking back on the history of the Grade I Listed building, the open day events will also focus on the extensive work currently being undertaken to preserve and improve the church for future generations.

This includes roof repairs, replacing the ailing boiler system and the recent completion of restoration work to the misericords – small seats dating back to the early 1400s.

Paul Gilmore, a parochial church council member, said: “Basically what we are trying to do is make it (the church) much more a part of the community – that is what these buildings were when they were first built.

“It is a very Victorian idea to have a ‘once a week’ building, as it were, and we are trying to take the building back to when it was the centre of things.

“It is to bring the church back to the community and let people know that it is there and that it has facilities.”

At the heart of the open day events on September 12 is an evening Gala Concert compered by Northern Echo editor Peter Barron.

This will bring together the Northern Voices choir and the Darlington Operatic Society for the first time.

During the day visitors can take advantage of free tours of the building and there will be the chance to climb up to the bells and ring them between 10am and noon.

Other open day attractions include performances from the Newton Aycliffe Pipes and Drums, the Identity Youth Theatre and Cockerton School Choir.

There will also be an exhibition featuring the story of St Cuthbert’s, including some recently discovered photographs from the 19th century, and this will remain open at lunchtimes until the end of September.

Tickets for the Gala Concert cost £12 from the Dolphin centre, or by contacting 01325-406000.