THE congregation of a West Devon church are looking forward to the completion of the first stage of the building's renovation.

Since July this year, the roof of All Saints Church, Dunterton, has been undergoing extensive repair work following the discovery of defects in its structure.

Architect Andrew Wood, from Plymouth, spotted the defects when commissioned by the parochial church council (PCC) to report on what needed to be done to weatherproof the church, in preparation for interior redecoration.

As well as requiring the anticipated re-slating, the church roof was found to have flaws in its wooden structure, which would need to be corrected as soon as possible.

The cost of repairs was estimated at £130,000.

In 2008 the PCC appealed to English Heritage, which agreed to give a grant, leaving the parish to raise a remaining sum of £25,000 — this was achieved by the end of 2009.

Bodmin's Darrock and Brown, specialists in building conservation, are currently repairing the roof, and aim to finish by the end of November.

But completion of the roof repairs will not be the end of the church's renovation, as the interior decoration remains to be done.

Efforts are being made to raise the money for this locally, and Dunterton Church will be open between 10am and noon on September 11, as part of the annual Devon Historic Churches Day.

The event aims to raise repair funds for Devon's churches by people making sponsored visits by foot or bike to the participating churches.

There will also be a car boot sale in aid of Dunterton Church on September 4, at Glebe House, Dunterton.

Those interested in the renovation project are encouraged to come along and make their contribution to preserving and restoring the 15th-century church.