GLADESTRY parishioners are celebrating brighter prospects for their ancient rural church following the successful launch of a £95,000 restoration project.

Colva residents who embarked on a massive community fund-raising effort to bring the 13th century St David’s Church back to life finally marked the end of the first and largest phase of works at a rededication and harvest festival service.

Vicky Bernays and partner, church warden Duncan Noble, were among those who raised an impressive £10,000 during a marathon appeal held in order to secure further monies from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other benefactors.

Thanks to their efforts, two buttresses have now been built to hold up the east wall and vital repairs to the tower have also been carried out.

Two 18th century bells found along the way have also been stored until enough money can be found to rehang them, while all stonework has also been re-pointed and rotten shingle replaced with traditional Welsh slate.