The restoration appeal fund for St Michael and All Angels' Church has passed the £500,000 mark but work will now be needed on the spire.

Malcolm Brothers, secretary of the parochial church council, said rain may have been getting into the landmark and the spire has been inspected by a steeplejack.

He said: "We are still awaiting a report by an engineer and the steeplejack. We suspect that rain got in on one occasion, but hopefully, it's not a major problem."

Mr Brothers said that following the report, Church Lane architect Ian Stainburn would be asked to draw up specifications for work, when costs would be known.

Mr Brothers added that some repointing work would been needed on masonry, though the extent required had not yet been clarified. It may just be a matter of routine maintenance.

The tower and steeple, at 203 feet, is the tallest structure in Ledbury and has twice been struck by lightning during its long history. The base of the tower dates back to at least 1300, whereas the present spire was built in the first half of the 18th Century.

Its golden weathercock, re-gilded in 1935, has long been a much-loved Ledbury landmark and has been mentioned in verse by former Poet Laureate John Masefield.

Launched four years ago, the restoration appeal has been a major success story, with work carried out on restoring the organ, pinning the base of the tower, strengthening the chancel arch and putting in modern toilets.

Work has just been completed on re-surfacing the church floor, at a cost of around £50,000.

Money for the appeal has been raised through individual fundraising, community donations and through a series of concerts in the church itself.

There will be an organ recital by Paul Derrett, on September 27, which will also be the launch of a CD featuring the newly-restored organ.