A SPECIAL service of thanksgiving for the recent cleaning of the windows is being held at St Eustachius Church in Tavistock on Sunday, July 12 at 9.45am.

The cleaning was a 'major' task, which resulted in a great deal more light coming into the church.

Priest-in-charge the Rev Michael Brierley said: 'It's absolutely brilliant that the £10,000-plus needed to clean the church windows, the first clean in over 50 years, was raised in just one month. It shows the level of affection that the parish church has in the hearts of local people.

'The result inside is quite fantastic. People are daily commenting on how much lighter it is. The interior now lifts the spirit even more. I am deeply grateful to all those who have contributed so generously in both large and small amounts.'

Several members of the community made donations in memory of loved ones who had died.

The project, co-ordinated by Alan Johnson, was undertaken by Andrew Johnson Stained Glass of Exeter.

He said: 'The cleaning has been an intricate and lengthy process. There was a great deal of soot to come off, probably from the burning of many candles over a lengthy period. The quality of light is considerably improved. The tower window, being higher, was particularly bad, and had to be done from scaffolding.'

All are welcome to inspect the windows themselves at the celebration service this Sunday.