The Save the Church Tower campaign, backed by the Wetherby News, was launched in August 2008 to raise more than £100,000 to fund essential stone work repair at historic St James Parish Church.

After many months of fundraising, private donations, beer festivals, art bequests and securing grants, The Save the Church Tower campaign has finally reached its once-epic target.

The seven-strong fundraising committee behind the campaign said they were delighted to have fulfilled their objective and work to repair the tower’s 19th century stonework was now underway.

Committee member Bob Greene said: “It has also been decided to take the opportunity, while scaffolding is in place, to carry out further maintenance work if sufficient money can be found. This should complete all work required for the foreseeable future.

“Obviously we’re delighted that the work is now under way although not thinking about what our next major fudraising event will be may leave a bit of a hole!”

The group would like to thank everyone who has contributed particularly those people who have offered private donations.

“It has been difficult securing the money at times particularly for local businesses because of the recession but we have made it up from fundraising events,” added Bob.

Repairs to the church tower, which was built from Collingham quarry stone in the 19th century, include removing areas of deteriorating mortar, replacing stones beyond repair, repointing and descaling the existing stone.

The essential work will also include low pressure water cleaning to remove damaging algae and loose mortar, but this will not have any adverse effect on the look of the prominent building.

l A service of celebration is being planned at the church for September where residents will be able to see and celebrate the newly restored stonework.