Work starts on restoring county's tallest spire

Jo Slade said people felt connected to the church "because of their ancestral history"

A major project is under way to restore Worcestershire's tallest spire.

St John's Church in Bromsgrove is covered in scaffolding while work to repair the cracked stonework takes place.

Jo Slade, project manager for The Spire Appeal said it was important for the building to be restored as "people feel connected to it because of their ancestral history, ancestors who worshipped here, were married here, or had babies christened here".

The £386,000 project, funded by the National Lottery as well as local donations, is expected to be finished by September.

"It's a landmark and it has been a landmark for generations", Ms Slade added.

"Whenever you come into Bromsgrove, you can see the church.

"Over more than 800 years, people have been able to see this building, and it draws them into the town."

A new stainless steel rod will be added to the spire to prevent future deterioration

Ms Slade said although Worcester Cathedrals' towers were taller, St John's structure stood out because of its spire.

Worcester stonemasons Steve Allard & Son will carry out restoration work over the summer, which includes a new stainless steel rod being be added to the spire to prevent future deterioration.

The church will be closed on weekdays, except for funerals, but will remain open for Sunday services and occasional Saturday events.