RADCLIFFE'S most prominent church has been restored to its former glory.

St Thomas' and St John's Church has already had more than £10,000 spent on and around it by the Renewal Initiative Project.

The restoration went ahead because the local authority and the Parochial Church Council wanted to ensure that the church was there for all to see and enjoy.

The work included:

Clearing old shrubs and dead trees

Installing park benches and providing litter bins

Resurfacing paths and upgrading The Lychgate main entrance.

Cllr Barry Briggs, Radcliffe Area Board chairman, said that if further funding was found the memorial cross could be cleaned and iron gates could be put at the Darbyshire Street entrance.

He said he was "very pleased" with the work that had been done by the parks and countryside unit. He said: "I am sure passers-by will really notice a difference."

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