THE first service is affected tomorrow (Thursday August 20) by work now underway to repair a leaking roof on an ageing parish church.

Work began on Monday (August 17) on the damaged south aisle roof at St Michael and All Angels Church, in Houghton-le-Spring.

It is expected to take between seven and eight weeks to complete the necessary repairs, affecting some of the daily life of the medieval church, on The Broadway

The Rector, The Reverend Canon Sue Pinnington, described the roof as, “very leaky”, requiring the essential work to proceed before the winter months.

“This means, unfortunately, that the church will not be open as normal, on weekdays and Saturdays, between 11am and 1pm.

“Most services will not be affected, but our website and Facebook pages will carry updates.”

Tomorrow’s (Thursday August 20) 11am eucharist service with hymns is the first casualty, as is the Vestry Time, for marriage and baptism inquiries, on Monday August 31, which is usually at 6pm.

Further details of services and events remaining unaffected are available via www.stmichaels-hls.org.uk, www.facebook.com/stmichaels-hls, or from the parish office, on 0191-512 1769.