A VICTORIAN church in the region is to become a night-time landmark with the introduction of floodlighting to the spire.

Holy Trinity Church, at Startforth, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, is installing the lighting after nearly £2,000 was raised in memory of former churchwarden John Olaman.

A switching on ceremony is taking place on Saturday, November 8, with a concert in the church by Gainford Choral and Instrumental Society.

Mr Olaman, a former history teacher at Teesdale Comprehensive School, died in January and a collection held at his funeral raised nearly all the money needed for the lighting.

Keith Watson, the present churchwarden, said: "You go into cities and you see the spires of the churches floodlit. John always thought this was something which should happen here. He thought it would bring life to the church. It is already a landmark and the spire can be seen from all over the dales in daylight, and so it will be at night."

The lights will be switched on by the Reverend David Ryan.

He said: "We are delighted the Gainford society are with us for this occasion.

"The floodlighting is a way of celebrating this beautiful church. It will also be a reminder of John Olaman, who was churchwarden for many years and in whose memory the lights are dedicated."

Concert tickets, costing £5 and including refreshments, are available from the Mr Ryan, on (01833) 637371, Mr Watson, on (01833) 631208, or Sid Hall, on (01833) 630286.