AN 800-year-old church has undergone a major renovation thanks to the dying wishes of a parishioner.

Over the past year numerous projects have taken place within the Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Stanhope funded by Irene Bainbridge.

Mrs Bainbridge, who lived on High Street in Stanhope until her death in 2003, left money in her will to go towards the upkeep of the Grade II Listed church.

Completed work includes the conservation of a 17th Century Cosin reredos screen, the installation of a toilet with disabled access, a servery in the north aisle and a toilet in the choir vestry and new carpets to the nave, sanctuary and two vestries.

Over the next few months, the Victorian wrought iron gates to the churchyard will be repaired and dilapidated wooden gates at the south door will be replaced with new iron ones.

Mrs Bainbridge’s family have offered to buy a memorial plaque to record her contribution to the town and that of her late husband William Lee Bainbridge, who died in 1977.

Brian Bainbridge, their nephew, who lives in Bedfordshire, said: “The church was very important to both of them.

“My aunt was involved in many aspects of Stanhope life and she valued community spirit and saw the church as being at the centre of that.

“She was very keen that the money she left would be used to improve the fabric of the church.

“The church mattered a great deal to my uncle as well.

“He was on the church council at 26 and was a churchwarden for the best part of 20 years. It was a lifetime of service.”

On Thursday, February 7, a special service will be held at 7pm.to celebrate the works.

The Reverend Susan Kent, Rector of the United Benefice of Upper Weardale, and the Right Reverend David Stancliffe, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Durham, will preach the sermon.

Rev Kent said: “I have been overwhelmed by the way the whole project has brought the congregation together as we made joint decisions about the work.

“There have been very many benefits apart from the improvement to the building.

“We very much look forward to welcoming visitors to come and share this newly improved ancient place of prayer and worship.”