LEADERS of a storm-damaged church in Ramsbottom are getting ready to re-open their doors.

About 15 months ago, lightning wrecked St Andrew's Church when it struck the roof of the 180-year-old grade II listed building.

It was left with gaping holes after one of the four pinnacles on top of the church tower took a direct hit during the storm on July 23 last year.

Masonry crashed through the ceiling into the worship area, smashing the balcony and causing damage estimated at around £450,000 to repair.

Since then, the pinnacle has been rebuilt by specialist stonemasons, the roof repaired, and work is now underway to finish off the interior of the church before Christmas.

The congregation, which continues to meet each Sunday in the neighbouring school hall, has seen the misfortune of the lightning strike as an opportunity to improve facilities in the building to make it more attractive for use by the whole community.

In addition to the repair works, church members are raising funds for additional work which is underway to create a new, larger kitchen area at the back of the worship area, better toilet facilities and a small meeting room under the repaired balcony.

Once the builders complete their work, specialist cleaners will move in to spruce up the interior ready for a new lick of paint and a replacement carpet to be laid.

Church warden Ian Ashworth said he hopes the first service in the renovated building will be held by mid- December.

“We are blessed that, following the lightning strike in 2013, God has led us towards what can only be seen as a new beginning for our church working in the local community,” he said.

“These are exciting times and we can’t wait to open the doors and show the community their new improved building.”