A RESTORATION project for an iconic Darlington church is gathering pace as part of a wider plan to enhance its community appeal.

Forward-thinking plans to turn St Cuthbert’s Church into a more community-centred venue were revealed last year, but essential maintenance work is needed before the more ambitious elements of the project can begin.

Work has now started on surveying all of the Grade I Listed building’s windows – which number more than 55 – and on restoring its 15th century wooden seats, known as misericords.

Josie Kyme, a stained glass conservator, used specialist ‘spider lift’ to reach the dizzy heights of the church’s uppermost windows where she checked them for signs of damage.

Her report will then give recommendations on how much and how soon any repair work needs to be carried out, if any.

Mrs Kyme said: “There are some quite important windows here and we have to make sure they are in good shape.”

Meanwhile, restorator Rupert McBain is busy working on bringing St Cuthbert’s misericords back to their former glory.

The artefacts, which were installed in the church sometime between 1406 and 1427, were used to provide a subtle resting place for priests and monks who were able to perch on the tiny seats whilst appearing as though they were standing up.

Paul Gilmore, a member of the parochial church council, is pleased with the way the work is progressing.

He said: “It is our intention to make sure that the building is sound; that we get as much right as possible.”

Both the window survey and the misericord restoration are being funded by the Friends of St Cuthbert’s Church who organised a variety of events and activities to raise the money needed.

The wider plan for St Cuthbert’s includes replacing its heating system, improving the disabled access and using the building as an exhibition space and meeting venue for community groups.

Last October the church won £26,500 Heritage Lottery development to make a start on repairing the church roof which consists of 13th century timber beams.

It is estimated that the whole roof repair project will cost in the region of £150,000, with £106,000 being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and additional money coming from the Friends group.