WHISKY tasting and concerts were just two of many fund-raisers set to 'raise the roof' of a Kington church as £45,000 worth of repair work starts.

After four years of fund-raising, structural repairs have begun on St Bede's Catholic Church including asbestos removal, roof repairs and the installation of a disabled toilet.

Supporters kicked off their campaign with their concert Raise the Roof, and the total was boosted by individual and corporate benefactors. A grant from Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust three months ago enabled the full plan to be undertaken.

Parish priest of Weobley and Kington, Father Stephen Holdsworth said: "I am delighted parishioners will soon be able to worship again in St Bede's. We have been looking forward to this moment for nearly five years.It is a great tribute to the parishioners, local Kington residents of all denominations and others from all over who have made this possible.