A HISTORIC landmark will be restored to its former glory after the prayers of parishioners were answered.

St James the Great Church, Daisy Hill has been awarded £70,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant to repair the striking 85ft bell turret, which was in danger of being lost forever ­— placing the beautiful Grade II* listed building on Historic England's at risk register.

The project ­— "Promotion of the Heritage of Daisy Hill's Unique Paley and Austin Church ­— ­ will also explore the construction of the unique church, the history of the church, local area and the he Haddock Family who's wealth funded the building of first a school and then a church in Daisy Hill and who’s gifts were honoured in 1889 when funds were raised to install a “splendid” stained glass east window made by the company Morris & Co. founded by William Morris and fellow Pre-Raphaelite artists.

“It is wonderful how this as all has come together just when we need it, the grant providing a large part of the necessary funding for this heritage project, we have the people in our congregation with the experience and skills to take it forward and to run regular events in the church that reach out to the wider community, I think our collective prayers have been answered” said Glenys Latham acting chair of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

St James Church’s 85ft bell turret has stood for almost 140 years and although the building is generally in good order ­— the condition of the bell turret is of concern.

A tree has become established in the top and the root system is causing significant damage and potential falls of material within a short space of time if action isn’t taken.

An area outside the bell-turret has been fenced off and the choir stalls to the south side of the chancel are taped off for safety. The restrictions have been put in place on the advice of the church architect, based on a fabric condition report and our church insurers.

Volunteers are leading the fundraising.

The PCC says the immediate risk to the Bell Turret has been an absolute priority and with the support of the National Lottery work can commence in the near future.