LONG-AWAITED work to an iconic church roof is well underway and on schedule.

Darlington-based Stones Technical Services have been at St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington town centre since the start of September to carry out vital repairs to a section of the building’s roof.

The work, which should be finished by the end of the year, is costing £113,000 and has been made possible thanks to a contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund and an £11,000 donation from the Friends of St Cuthbert’s.

The St Cuthbert’s site dates back to the 900s as a place for religious worship and the current repairs are a step forward in the ambitious plans to ensure the building is fit for future generations.

Church committee member Paul Gilmore is excited that the work is underway.

He said: “Things are progressing well.

“They are systematically taking sections of the roof off and replacing them and so far there have been no major problems.

“We are pleased that it is finally on the way, but this is just the first stage of what we need to do.

“The next stage is the main roof and that is by far more expensive.”

Replacing sections of the ageing larger roof is expected to cost around £170,000 and the church is planning a series of fundraising events for the coming months to help meet the cost.

And despite the ongoing roof work, Mr Gilmore is proud that the church has still managed to host its regular Sunday services, and special services, in the main building throughout.

He credited Stones for their flexibility in allowing the church to be accessed when required but added that people who are parking their cars in the church grounds when not on parish business run the risk of impacting on the work’s progress.

Parking has already been reduced because of the space required for Stones’ vehicles and Mr Gilmore said that parishioners are also being forced to park away from the church by people who leave their cars there all day.

He said: “At the moment Stones are there and need access, their vehicles are coming in and out all the time, they need turning space and there have been a few problems.”