WET weather will no longer take its toll on bell ringers in Saltaire - thanks to funding which has fixed a church's leaking tower.

Now that faulty stonework has been repaired the bell ringers at Saltaire's United Reformed Church can return for a drier season, says church treasurer David O’Loan.

Vital grant funding by Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) meant work to renew the damaged steps leading up to the Grade 1 listed church and stop rain coming through the tower has been finished just in time for the new bell-ringing seasons and start of the school year which brings groups of youngsters through its doors on trips to visits the World Heritage village.

The improvements are being marked by a short ceremony of thanks on Sunday, November 2, at noon, following the Sunday service. Cutting the tape will be Dorothy and Geoff Mawson, two church members who have helped for decades to keep the church buildings open, tidy and welcoming.

Mr O'Loan said: "The new school curriculum seems to be bringing more school groups than ever to visit the World Heritage village and the downstairs church rooms and washroom facilities are an important space for these young groups.

"The work on the damaged steps and leaking tower stonework has been essential to making these visits safe. The dry tower has also allowed the bell-ringers to return for another season and they continue to mark Sundays, weddings, celebrations and funerals with appropriate rings or peals."

The downstairs rooms and washroom facilities in the church are also used by the thriving Beaver, Cubs and Scout groups as well as a weekly Toddler and Parent Group and for other local community and self-help meetings.

In the last seven years more than £1m has been spent on restoring the building with money raised from the Heritage Lottery and other charitable trusts. Visitors have also given to The £1 Appeal and their names are being recorded to be put in a book.

Len Morris, an Elder in the church responsible for the building, said “We are very grateful for support. This is turn helps us welcome more visitors and community groups to this unique village and church.”