AFTER six months of restoration, a Lake District church tower has been revealed in all its "new found glory".

The £270,000 project at St Oswald's Church, Grasmere, has seen the old grey cement pebbledash expertly replaced by a "beautiful" creamy, lime-based render, set off by newly re-gilded clock faces.

A large congregation gathered for an evensong service on Sunday to celebrate the completion of the works. The Bishop of Penrith, the Right Rev Robert Freeman, gave the address, and the Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness, the Venerable Vernon Ross, led the prayers.

Mulled wine and gingerbread were served, and a special tower cake baked by Debbie Rickman Hebson, was unveiled "to the delight of all".

Among those celebrating were the team from Crosby Granger Architects of Kendal. Families of the main contractor, UK Restoration Services, had also travelled to Grasmere from Burnley for the occasion.

Seven years ago, the 90-year-old cement render had begun to fall from the tower, creating a hazard and exposing stonework to the elements at St Oswald's. The Grade I-listed church dates back to 1250 and is William Wordsworth's burial place.

A 30-week restoration began last April.The attention to detail and quality of the work have been described as "meticulous", with the new render looking "glorious" in the sunshine.

Financial help was given by the Alene Hackett bequest and the Friends of St Oswald’s. The PCC would also like to thank Church Care (Wolfson Foundation), All Churches Trust, the Headley Trust, Jill Franklin Trust and many individuals for their generous grants and donations.